The sculpture is 15 meters tall, making it the largest Picasso sculpture in the world.
It is based on a small 1-meter high maquette that Picasso gifted to the Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar.
The monument was constructed using 130 tons of concrete.
Picasso never physically visited Kristinehamn but reviewed photographs and scale models before approving the project.
The betonggrafik technique used for the sculpture was developed specifically by Carl Nesjar in collaboration with Picasso.
The face depicted in the concrete is that of Jacqueline Roque, Picasso's second wife.
The sculpture stands at the edge of the Vålösund strait, a strategic location chosen for its visibility to boats entering the harbor.
The Picasso Sculpture in Kristinehamn is a 15-meter-tall concrete monument situated on the shores of Lake Vänern. It is one of the world's largest Picasso sculptures and represents a portrait of his wife, Jacqueline Roque. The sculpture was created by Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar based on a maquette Picasso designed in 1957. Despite the artist's death in 1973, he personally approved the scale and location of the installation, which was completed in 1965. The structure is constructed using the betonggrafik technique, where fine gravel is blasted into the concrete surface to create relief and texture. It serves as a prominent landmark in the Värmland region and is free to access year-round. The site also features a café and a small gallery in the vicinity during the summer season.
From the water's edge looking upward to capture both the silhouette of the sculpture and the expanse of Lake Vänern.
Bring a windbreaker, as the lakeside location can be quite gusty regardless of the season.
Check the local visitor center website for information on rotating art exhibitions hosted in the nearby gallery.
Plan your visit to coincide with a sunset to see the light play across the textured concrete surface.
Do not attempt to climb the sculpture, as the concrete surface is abrasive and protected by local heritage guidelines.
