Henri Matisse is one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Although his art is intelligent and innovative, it portrays a world that is full of sunshine and kindness, dancing and music. People are comfortable with themselves and each other. His work is playful, colorful and quietly emotional.
Matisse in his studio with flowers and doves and sunlight.
Today, I visited the Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see an exhibit called “Matisse in the Studio.” The installation explores how Matisse was influenced by the artwork he collected on his travels, like African masks and Middle Eastern textiles and Asian sculptures. The exhibit is personal and intimate. I left feeling an affection for Matisse, wishing I could join him in his studio for tea or invite him to ride horses in Mongolia.
The exhibit showed Matisse’s work next to the related artwork he collected and which adorned his studio. Here are a few examples.
“The Moorish Screen”
The Moorish Screen in Matisse’s studio.
Matisse’s Daughter, Marguerite
Thai Buddha that influenced the portrait of Marguerite.
Roman torso next to Matisse cut-outs of blue torsos.
Tent Curtain Matisse brought back from Egypt
“Interior with Egyptian Curtain”
Don’t you just love this?
The exhibit is at the Boston MFA until July 9 and then (Marilyn!) it moves to the Royal Academy of Arts in London on August 5.
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”
— Henri Matisse
Camino Milagro 
YES! I LOVE THIS! And these are works of Matisse that I haven’t seen before! I am inspired.
Love you Kim.
This exhibit is for you. 🙂
You have to see the Matisse/Diebenkorn exhibit at SFMOMA when you get back. It’s there until May 29th.
We think it’s the best exhibit SFMOMA has ever done. We’re members and can get you in, and would love to see it again, with you.
That would be wonderful — I will send you a note.
I love that museum – and this sounds like a wonderful exhibit!
I wanna’ go too!!! I love Matisse and these treasures are new for me.