ArtReview archives reveal Henri Matisse's 1954 essay on artistic vision and creative process
ArtReview has unveiled a 1954 essay by Henri Matisse, which first appeared in Art News and Review on February 6, 1954, just months prior to his passing in November 1954. In this piece, Matisse contends that genuine artistic expression necessitates a perspective akin to that of a child, unencumbered by preconceived notions and established imagery. He underscores that the act of creation begins with the ability to see and the bravery to reinterpret reality, moving beyond past representations. Matisse elaborates on his technique of painting new portraits of the same subject and discusses color variations in pieces such as 'Still Life with Magnolia.' He explains how he achieved harmony in the Vence chapel through color, affirming that art reflects nature by breathing life into creations. The essay showcases Matisse's hopeful outlook on the artist's role amidst personal and global adversities.
Key facts
- Henri Matisse's essay 'Looking at Life with the Eyes of a Child' was originally published in Art News and Review on February 6, 1954
- ArtReview republished the essay in March 2020 as part of its 'History Lessons' series during a moment of art world uncertainty
- Matisse died in November 1954, months after the essay's initial publication
- The essay argues that artistic creation requires seeing without distortion from acquired habits and ready-made images
- Matisse describes painting portraits as creating 'a quite different one' each time, not improving but beginning anew
- He explains color choices in works like 'Still Life with Magnolia' as deliberate investigations, not chance or whim
- Matisse details his design of the Vence chapel, where window colors compose a living light that animates the structure
- The essay concludes that 'great love is needed' to achieve artistic effects that imitate nature's life and beauty
Entities
Artists
- Henri Matisse
- Victor Pasmore
- Patrick Heron
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Art News and Review
Locations
- Venice
- Vence
- New Delhi
- India