Inspiration Matisse Collages - Wool & Silk Blue

Painter, draftsman, engraver and sculptor, a major figure of the 20th century, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) considerably extended his influence on the art of the second half of this century by the use of simplification, stylization, synthesis and color as the sole subject of painting. He was the leader of Fauvism. But his paper cut-outs were a new creative breath of fresh air for the artist after the 1940s. Diagnosed with cancer, bedridden, handicapped, but "alive", Matisse could no longer paint or practice techniques that required diluents (water or oil). He then invented the technique of paper cut-outs, which he could, in his bed, cut with scissors, papers that his assistants placed and glued in the places desired by the artist. "Cutting live in color reminds me of the direct carving of sculptors. "Unknowingly, Matisse had invented a new medium and achieved the feat of "drawing with scissors."