On Gardner's Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective, Volume 2, it was written that Picasso has a different perspective in understanding art. He believes that the masks are not ordinary but contains magic that becomes a medium between human and the forces of evil. In the book, it stated that he wanted to capture this power as he tried to express it on his paintings.
Picasso was inspired by primitive art as well as African and Iberian culture. During his time, art works look strange and unique and were based on the colonizer's findings on their conquered lands.
The colors they chose make it darker and show the feeling of madness. the words on it could show how she is thinking a lot. By making her sick all mostly one color it makes her look sickly and on the verge of death. It brings an idea of death and sadness to the piece.