As for Matisse’s paintings… Well, I think it’s important to divide his work into some phases to really get a grasp on what his motives were all about:
1. Fauvism
2. Movement
3. His cutouts
During fauvism, he did all that wild/crazy/ugly painting of people with green and pink faces! His poor wife was often his subject. I mean, I get it. Changing up color is indeed fascinating, but really? Why like that? They’re important pieces, I know that, but definitely not the most funnest ever-ever to look at.
When he was really working with movement and the complication of combining design, he came out with some of my favorite pieces. I just love his use of curling lines, and his interest in flattening the canvas and simplifying forms. This is when art gets OH-SO-GOOOOOOD! Many of these paintings are ginormous!
Unfortunately, Matisse suffered from insane stomach cancer, and was bedridden towards the end of his life. He couldn’t stop making artwork though, so he had ‘his people’ work with him to make the giant cutouts that he’s also renowned for. He sculpted with paper! These are some of those lovely unforgettable works that evoke harmony.
So yeah, there's a lot to say about him. I've barely skimmed the surface. The thing I appreciate the MOST about his work is that he was a risk taker. I'd say that I only 'like' roughly one quarter of his completed pieces. Much of it is ugly. He really took art to new places though! And the ones that are gorgeous, are simply breathtaking.
Life is goooooood!
1 comment:
thanks gabrielle! i like his paper cut-out work as well. in fact, the kids' project was to be a paper cut out project, but my son was sick today so we have to postpone til monday. i really like that blue and white one you posted. i think i'll need to get one of his paper cut-out prints for my house someday. his colors make me happy.
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