Why Matisse Matters.
Matisse’s lasting impact on the world of art predominantly is the large blocks of colour that form the iconic cut-out works such as the Snail or the stunning Icarus falling through a sky of stars. However, visiting the south of France during the Summer, and seeing where Matisse lived, loved and learnt to paint opened my eyes to exactly why Matisse deserves the title of ‘modern master’.
The seaside town of Collioure is an artist’s paradise. With its winding streets, bobbing fishing boats and the shimmering waves of the Mediterranean it is easy to see why it was the perfect place to paint. The South of France is a magnet for beautiful sunshine, and painters still come today to bask and be inspired by the quality of the golden light. The big draw for Collioure is based upon the success of the Fauvism movement, of which Matisse alongside his friend Andre Derain was leader. The Fauves used bright colours and wild brushstrokes in a break away from formal academic art. The word Fauve literally translates from French to mean ‘Wild Beast’, and looking at the work Matisse produces it is not an unreasonable title. What Matisse and his friends achieved in the sunshine was a celebration not of the technique of replicating reality but a triumph of sheer colour.
Walking round the bay at Collioure the Fauves still triumph, there is a fantastic selection of viewpoints of the exact scenes that Matisse painted. Looking from painting to the view of the sea, one can tell it is the same place, not by direct objects or literal things, more the mood and atmosphere so accurately described. The use of colour alone to describe is something which Matisse was the creator, and we all owe that him respect for that. The use of clashing complimentary colours in fine art is something not previously explored, and it is hard think of the world today without it. The discoveries Matisse made with pure unrefined colour has given birth to some of the greatest designs and most recognisable patterns, prints and pictures.
