Matisse: Radical Invention

Although the blog post left earlier by Sandra, or rather, Prof. Smaldone, regarding Matisse was quite brief and most certainly not the epitome of what a true blog post should be, I figured I would expand on this example and add my own two cents about the work of Matisse. Currently there is an exhibition on display at the MoMA surrounding Matisse and a time period known as “pivotal” to his career as an artist. The exhibition, called “Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917,” focuses on the pieces created during this time period which are rather abstract, lack in-depth detail and are seemingly unrelated to one another. One of the paintings which Matisse himself referred to as central in his life as an artist was “The Moroccans” which was created in 1916. In this painting, Matisse reflects on his journey to the country, representing the contrast of sunlight and shade by the darkness and light. Although the painting seems abstract and nonspecific, it is one filled with nostalgia. This painting also reflects the art movement of the time, Cubism, popular among the works of Picasso, however what makes the work of Matisse unique is his use of a rich palette of color. The Exhibition