Late last year, sometime before the New Year, I went with a dear friend of mine from out of town to check out a preview of “Matisse, in search of true painting” at the Met. I find that each time I step foot into the Met, I am always astounded at why I don’t come here more often… it is just such a magnificent space! With so much unexplored treasures!!
The exhibit, I found, was quite interesting, as it showcased some rarely-seen pieces by Henri Matisse (who I’ve definitely come to appreciate more during my adult years… growing up, dad was not a fan). It shows an artist in constant transition and progression, as he learns the nature of his own style, and hones his craft through painstaking and multiple iterations of work. It also demonstrates, I found, the evolution of someone in search of himself (if a bit shaky at times), and not afraid to challenge the known and push the envelope of the unknown. In that regard it makes Matisse admirably human in my eyes.
Of course, his vibrant usage of colors are bar none (reminiscent
of the bold palette used by his peer, Vincent van Gogh). The show runs through March 17, I highly
recommend swinging by! To quote New York magazine... Matisee is a beast.
