Henri Matisse Exhibition

A new exhibition at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts features Henri Matisse.

The theme of the exhibition was showing the real life objects (vases, pots, sculptures, masks, rugs) that were featured in his works.

Indeed Matisse says, "The object is an actor.  A good actor can have a part in ten different plays; an object can play a role in ten different pictures"

Helen Burnham (in blue scarf)

It was really informative to have the curator of the exhibit Helen Burnham come to our offices to give a special lecture on the exhibit and how she pulled it together with her colleagues.  In an answer to my question, she explained that most of these objects came from the Matisse museum in Nice.

It was also great to learn about the life long association between Matisse and Picasso and their mutual interest in African art and culture.  Also, interestingly that when both of them used the word 'primitive' in reference to African objects, that they did not mean it derogatorily, but rather to expose western lack of understanding of what they appreciated about the art from that continent.

Exhibit entrance with the Dale Chihuly Icicle tower in the background

This vase found its place in several Matisse paintings

Chocolate Pot

Statue finds its place in the painting

Tapestry stylized in this famous painting - actual object shown below

Tapestry featured in the painting above

Beginning of the cut-out phase of Matisse's works

Matisse cut-outs

Captured nicely in this book by author Helen Burnham