Picasso and Africa in dialogue at Beijing museum

The deconstructed forms with which Pablo Picasso painted human figures are a hallmark of his art, but the source for them came from Africa, where exaggerated, elongated wooden sculptures inspired the work of his African period, and ultimately cubism.

A celebration of the connection between one of the 20th century's greatest artists and Africa is now on display at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, where Picasso's Man and Woman with a Vase of Flowers is on display surrounded by dozens of African sculptures, all from the museum's collection.

The exhibition, Wood and World, explores how the natural environment, history and diverse cultures of Africa have inspired both professional and amateur artists. Chinese wooden sculptures are also exhibited, demonstrating a resonance between the two civilizations and showing that "home" is a shared bond.

The exhibition runs until April 22.