Henri Matisse

Life: 1869-1954

Style: Fauvist

Works:

Quotes: “Truth and reality in art do not arise until you no longer understand what you are doing and are capable of but nevertheless sense a power that grows in proportion to your resistance.” (2)

Fun Fact: He wanted to be a lawyer until he discovered that his great passion in life was art. Unlike many other artists, he was internationally known during his life time. He created paper cutout artwork in bed up until the day he died! (1)

        You walk into Matisse’s house and are amazed by how similar his works are to so many other artists while at the same time being so different. He is very warm and friendly and invites you to sit down and have some tea and cookies. Tea and cookies? You didn’t know that people still ate tea and cookies. Anyway, he is very modest about his art. But after some persuasion, he finally admits that he is one of the leaders of the Fauvist movement, well known for a bright, colorful, expressive style of painting and large paper cutouts (4). He even adds that he is also a sculptor, printmaker, teacher, and even a lawyer!

            “That is very fascinating and I’d love to hear about fauvism, but I’m really pressed for time now and I need to find my squirrel, Chucky, before the fourteen days are up. Please help me! Just tell me where to go or who to ask. I need to find him,” you say to Matisse.

            “Calm down, calm down,” Matisse says calmly, “Let me tell you something about my work very quickly, so that you will better understand the people I send you to. My works have been influenced by countless people and styles: for example, impressionists such as Paul Signac and Paul Cezanne as well as traditional Japanese art and even Edouard Manet (4). Since you’re so desperate to get on with your search for Chucky, maybe you should go look for Manet. He will definitely be able to give you some guidance.”

      “Or, if you can hang around for a few minutes…I used to be a student of Odilon Redon (3). He was a French Symbolist. Brilliant fellow. He ought to know countless  numbers of people who can help you. I’m pretty sure he’ll lead you to some romantics like Turner and Constable but you better go check with him first to make sure.”