Some would say that I am quite arrogant placing myself in the artistic continuum behind Velazquez (circa 1656) and Picasso (1957). My response is that the very making of art has placed me there (or here) and my acknowledgement of that placement only makes me more self aware and open to direct influence. My research also uncovered that many artists have responded to one or both of these works--a few including Salvadore Dali (1958), Vik Muniz (2002), Edgar Degas (1857) and Richard Hamilton (1973). (I am aware that some would find this list more pleasing if it were in chronological order, but I am also working on a text portrait of Einstein and am obsessing with the fluidity of time...)
For more information on Picasso's series go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcD3MeWF4_U