"The Old Guitarist" Pablo Picasso 1901, Painting, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

I selected "The Old Guitarist" because I interpret the figure as a representation of loneliness, vulnerability, and the struggle to find comfort during difficult circumstances. The man’s body, closed eyes, and hunched posture create an impression of exhaustion, while the guitar remains close to him as a source of expression or refuge. The muted blue palette strengthens the feeling of isolation, making the figure appear almost separated from the world around him. Within Personal Battle, I want this work to remind viewers that people may carry their own struggles quietly and that even a small source of meaning or comfort can help someone endure a difficult period.