Two Dancers  is a vivid and compelling exploration of the human form, movement, and abstraction. The painting reflects Wilcox’s engagement with the artistic currents of her time, particularly the influence of Pablo Picasso, whose work on the human figure and abstraction had a profound impact on the development of modern art. By examining Two Dancers in relation to Picasso’s work, we can better understand Wilcox’s approach to form, color, and the expressive potential of the human body.

The influence of Pablo Picasso on Two Dancers is evident in several aspects of the painting. Picasso, particularly in his later work, was known for his radical abstraction of the human form, often using geometric shapes and lines to convey movement, emotion, and psychological depth. Wilcox’s use of bold, abstract patterns to delineate the dancers’ bodies echoes Picasso’s approach, particularly his work during the Synthetic Cubism period, where he used collage and fragmented forms to create dynamic compositions.

Another relevant comparison can be drawn with Picasso’s The Three Dancers (1925), where he explores the theme of dance as a metaphor for life, movement, and emotional expression. In The Three Dancers, Picasso uses distorted forms and exaggerated poses to convey a sense of psychological tension and drama. Wilcox’s dancers, while also abstracted, convey a different energy—one of joy, vitality, and connection with the natural world. The use of vibrant colors and flowing lines in Two Dancers suggests a celebration of life and movement, contrasting with the more somber and intense mood of Picasso’s work.

Wilcox’s technique in Two Dancers reflects her mastery of both abstraction and color. The patterns on the dancers’ bodies are meticulously rendered, with each line and spiral contributing to the overall sense of movement and rhythm. This use of pattern not only defines the figures but also integrates them into the surrounding environment, blurring the line between the dancers and the natural world.

Wilcox’s use of abstraction, while influenced by Picasso, also reflects her unique approach to the human form. Unlike Picasso, who often used abstraction to convey psychological tension or fragmentation, Wilcox uses it to create a sense of unity and flow. The patterns on the dancers’ bodies suggest movement, energy, and a connection to the natural world, emphasizing the harmony between the human form and its environment.