Henri Matisse
The Drawings
A man who channelled emotions into his art rather than striving for a realistic depiction of reality, a figure who sought the perfect balance between spontaneous inspiration and deliberate control, and an artist who saw the use of pure, unadulterated colour as an act of liberation – Matisse was all this and so much more. With his revolutionary perspective on art as a medium of sensory expression, he paved the way for the fauves, the expressionists, and the pioneers of modern painting.
Matisse and his contemporaries, in their quest for artistic truth, were scornfully labelled fauves (‘wild beasts’) by the art world. They were united by their bold, vivid use of colour and flat, simplified forms that defied the prevailing ideas of art and aesthetics. In just three short years, these wild fauves produced an extraordinary array of striking and memorable works that remain as relevant and inspiring today as they were then. Bring the intensity of colour and untamed expression into your home with art that speaks directly to the soul!
Matisse’s work was shaped by vibrant collaborations with some of the greatest artists of his time. One such figure was André Derain – at just 25 years old, he co-founded fauvism and remained a representative of diverse artistic styles throughout his life. His oeuvre is defined by stylistic evolution, driven by an unwavering passion for art. Discover Derain’s eclectic creations – from radiant depictions of London cityscapes to exuberantly dancing figures and his varied portraits of women. These captivating works will transform your walls into a truly extraordinary visual experience.