Exploring the Joy of Colour and Shape
Recently at the studio we immersed ourselves in the vibrant world of Henri Matisse, embracing his bold use of colour and abstract forms. Students engaged in painting, cutting, and assembling their own Matisse-inspired masterpieces. This hands-on experience not only introduced them to his unique style but also encouraged them to explore their own artistic expressions.
Who Was Henri Matisse?
Henri Matisse (1869–1954) was a French visual artist renowned for known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. Born in France, he originally studied Law before going to the École des Beaux-Arts. Initially he painted still lifes and landscapes in a traditional style, but then became a leading figure in modern art. His work is characterised by its vibrant colours, expressive forms, and a desire to convey joy and comfort through art.
Along with Pablo Picasso, Matisse is commonly regarded as one of the artists who best helped to define the revolutionary developments in the visual arts throughout the early 20th century, responsible for significant developments in painting and sculpture.
Matisse's early work was influenced by Impressionism, but he soon developed a more expressive style, leading to his role as a leader of the Fauvist movement. The intense colourism of the works he painted between 1900 and 1905 brought him notoriety as one of the Fauves (French for "wild beasts"). Fauvism was a short but notable period, emphasising painterly qualities and strong colour over the representational or realistic values retained by Impressionism.
Throughout his career, Matisse continued to explore the expressive potential of colour, often focusing on domestic and figurative subjects imbued with a Mediterranean vibrancy. Many of his finest works were created in the decade after 1906, when he developed a rigorous style that emphasised flattened forms and decorative pattern. In 1917, he relocated to the French Riviera, and until World War II his work held a relaxed and softened approach. This "return to order" is characteristic of many post-World War I art.
Following surgery in 1941 he was confined to bed or a wheelchair, and this is when he developed a new technique known as cut-outs or "gouaches découpées." He began creating compositions by cutting shapes from paper pre-painted with gouache by his assistants into shapes of varying colours and sizes, and arranging them into dynamic compositions. The result was a distinct and dimensional complexity, something that was not quite painting, but not quite sculpture. This method allowed him to continue expressing his artistic vision despite physical limitations. The cut-outs are celebrated for their bold colours, simplified forms, and joyful energy, representing a culmination of his lifelong exploration of colour and form.
Inspiration in the Studio
Our Matisse Arty Morning was inspired by these late works, encouraging students to explore the interplay of colour and shape. By engaging in the process of painting, cutting, and assembling their own collages, students experienced firsthand the creative freedom and expressive potential that Matisse championed. This approach aligns with our philosophy of learning through making, where students gain confidence and discover new techniques through hands-on experimentation.
Studying artists such as Matisse provides valuable insights into the evolution of art and the ways in which personal experiences and historical contexts influence artistic expression. His ability to innovate and adapt, particularly in the face of adversity, serves as an inspiring example for artists of all ages. His emphasis on joy, colour, and simplicity resonates with our goal of fostering a supportive environment where creativity can flourish.