Painting with Scissors: Matisse and the Papiers Coupes

Submitted by Chris on August 30, 2012 - 1:53pm
in
Painting with Scissors: Matisse and the Papiers Coupes
Matisse working on his cutouts, circa 1948 One of the largest Papier Coupes, in the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.

"You see as I am obliged to remain often in bed because of the state of my health, I have made a little garden all around me where I can walk... There are leaves, fruits, a bird." -- Henry Matisse, writing about his paper cutouts

In 1941, Henri Matisse was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a risky surgery. He wrote letters to his family that were meant to be opened in the event of his death. Matisse was preparing to "shuffle off this mortal coil." 

What followed was an artistic rebirth and what Matisse himself referred to as his "second life." While convalescing from surgery and his illness, he was forced to create while often confined to his bed. He began making the pieces that would mark the third great act of his professional life -- the paper cutouts. The resulting pieces, using colored paper and papers that Matisse had custom tinted with gouache, transcend the limitations of drawing and painting to become something completely new.    

Matisse continued to work for an additional fourteen years, even creating a limited edition book of collected paper cutouts entitled Jazz. He is a testament to all creatives and especially to those of us who are seeking our second life, our second chance to do something...wonderful.

Join Fresh City Life and paper expert Heather McKenzie for Art for the Masses: Henri Matisse and the Papiers Coupes (paper cutouts) on Saturday, September 8, 1:30-4:30 p.m. You’ll learn more about Henri Matisse and create your own papier coupe suitable for framing in a standard-sized frame (easy to find and easy on the wallet). Fee for this workshop is $20; all materials and equipment included.

Check out the full Fresh City Life calendar of events here.

Comments

Submitted by Ben Sander on August 30, 2012 - 7:41pm.

This sounds like a wonderful event. I wish I could attend.

Submitted by Lisa Ann on August 30, 2012 - 4:15pm.

This sounds like a delightful event - great for jumpstarting your creativity for some winter projects.

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