Saturday marks 50 years since the death of renowned artist Pablo Picasso. Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, interest in Picasso's works on the themes of war and peace has been growing in southern France, where Picasso spent his final years.

Picasso was born in Spain in 1881. He moved from Paris to southern France in his 60s, after the Spanish Civil War and World War Two. He created many works on war and peace, including depictions of doves. The dove has become a symbol of peace.

Events are being held in southern France to commemorate Picasso's death. In the town of Mougins near Cannes, the media were invited to see the garden of the villa where Picasso lived until his death at the age of 91.

Picasso invited artists and other guests to his home. The garden offers a scenic view of the natural landscape.

The house and grounds are now owned by a New Zealand businessman.

Mougins Mayor Richard Galy said the location must have provided Picasso with a wealth of inspiration.

In Vallauris, southern France, people are taking greater note of Picasso's monumental painting "War and Peace" that spans a chapel's walls and ceiling. The work is four meters tall and 10 meters wide and the entire chapel is now a museum.

A researcher studying history at the museum said Picasso's message is universal and applies not only to the conflicts the artist experienced, but also the war in Ukraine. The historian says Picasso's work carries an important message even today, as the artist condemned the hardships of war and the deprivation of freedom.