Picasso’s Guernica

“There can be no room for dissent in a nation’s development.” — Francisco Franco

As Spain’s authoritarian ruler, Franco made his disdain for opposition clear. Dissent, to him, was a threat to stability, a crack in his vision of a single, unified Spain. But history, as it often does, found a way to speak against him—through art and legacy.

Picasso: A Life of Boundless Expression

Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th century’s greatest artists, was a master at challenging convention. From Cubism to Surrealism, he didn’t just create art; he revolutionized it. But Picasso was more than a painter. When Franco’s forces, supported by Nazi Germany, bombed the Basque town of Guernica in 1937, Picasso was outraged. His response? The iconic mural Guernica, which would become one of the most powerful anti-war pieces in history.

Guernica: Art as Protest

Picasso’s Guernica depicted the agony of war and the innocence lost amid authoritarian violence. He refused to let the painting enter Spain as long as Franco remained in power. To Picasso, Guernica wasn’t just art—it was a stand against fascism, a defiant voice speaking out where many were silenced.

Themes That Resonate Today

Guernica remains relevant because it reminds us of the dangers of unchecked power, of silencing voices, and of crushing dissent. These themes feel all too familiar in today’s world. Many of us see parallels and wonder: What might our society look like if opposition were stifled? If certain groups—women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and other minorities—found themselves without a voice? I have to be honest with you, it’s a little frightening to me to think that the fundamental rights I have enjoyed in this country could be taken away by the vote of a neighbor or a friend who thinks I would never be put on a list just because of who I love and who I am friends with.

What Does That Have to Do with Me?

While Picasso fought tyranny in art, his personal legacy became a cautionary tale. When he died in 1973, he left no will. His estate went through years of probate battles, costing millions, with his family facing steep legal fees and prolonged disputes. Today, the value of Picasso’s estate would be worth over half a billion dollars—an inheritance mired in chaos because of a simple lack of planning. I’ve seen this over and over in my practice. People fail to plan, and then their family is left to pick up the pieces. True, it may not be hundreds of millions of dollars to deal with, but the emotional impact of not planning is significant.

A Personal Reflection: Protecting Our Own Tribes

Picasso’s time resonates with me in today's political climate. If we were to fall under a government that curtails freedoms, what happens to our tribes—the marginalized groups we belong to or care about? As members of communities often targeted by authoritarian policies, it’s vital that we protect our legacies, our families, and our voices. “So, consider this to be your official ask: Michelle Obama is asking you—no, I’m telling y’all—to do something.” ~Michelle Obama

Those words resonate with urgency and power, reminding us that moments of choice require action. Today, on the eve of the election, I echo Michelle Obama’s call and implore you to step up and do something. This call isn’t just about grand gestures or significant events—it’s about taking action both in the small, everyday moments and on the larger stage of civic duty. The impact of our actions today extends far beyond ourselves; it shapes the world we’re building for future generations. Whether it’s showing up to vote, helping others access polling places, or spreading the word about the importance of participation, every effort matters. Action, whether micro or macro, ensures we contribute to a legacy of engagement, courage, and hope for those who come after us.

Here’s how we can take that stand together:

Resist, participate, and vote TOMORROW! Your vote is your voice—powerful, unique, and essential. In times when the principles of freedom and expression feel precarious, showing up to vote is a direct way to safeguard those ideals. Picasso’s powerful anti-war masterpiece Guernica was more than a painting; it was an act of resistance, a bold statement against the suffocating grip of authoritarian rule. By casting your vote, you join a collective effort to uphold the very freedoms that Picasso and countless others have championed through art, words, and action. Democracy thrives when its citizens engage, challenge, and protect it. Every ballot cast fortifies our shared commitment to a society where diverse voices can be heard and where dissent is not only tolerated but celebrated. Stand up, participate, and vote to protect the liberties that fuel creativity, dialogue, and progress.

Avoid Picasso’s Mistake

Here are five simple actions you can take today to help protect your family and estate. Think of these steps as essential first moves, quick and impactful, that set the stage for a more comprehensive plan. But don’t stop there—consider this a temporary safety net. Once you complete this list, take the next step and schedule an appointment with a experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that every detail of your estate is properly secured. The guidance of an expert can help you create an estate plan that accounts for every potential scenario, protects your assets, and secures your legacy. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your bases are covered is invaluable. So don’t wait—act today to build the foundation, and follow up with a professional consultation to make sure your future and your family's well-being are fully protected. Make that appointment today, too!

Grab a notebook and put all of the following in one place.

1. Write Down Your Healthcare Wishes Draft a simple document or notes outlining your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate them. This can guide your future conversations about an Advance Health Care Directive. Be sure to sign and date it! Take a picture of it and put it in your phone.
   Why It Matters: It helps clarify your intentions for your loved ones and makes it easier to create an official directive later.

2. Write Out a List of Your Assets Create a basic inventory of your assets, including bank accounts, real estate, investments, and personal valuables.
   Why It Matters: Having a clear list makes it easier for you and your future attorney to start organizing your estate.

3. Review Beneficiaries Check the beneficiary designations on your financial accounts, retirement plans, and insurance policies. Update them if needed to reflect your current wishes.
   Why It Matters: Beneficiary designations often override what’s stated in a will, so make sure they align with your intentions.

4. Designate a Digital Executor Create a document listing your online accounts, passwords, and instructions for handling your digital presence after your passing. This could include social media, email, and online banking.
   Why It Matters: Managing digital assets can be challenging without guidance. This step helps your family or executor handle your digital estate smoothly.

5. Organize Important Documents Gather key documents such as property deeds, insurance policies, and financial statements into one folder or digital file.
   Why It Matters: Keeping essential documents organized will save time and stress for you and your family when formalizing your estate plan with an attorney.