In conjunction with the major exhibition Matisse: Life & Spirit, Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGN) offers a unique chance to further explore the life, art and influence of one of the world’s most celebrated artists, Henri Matisse, with their new exhibit Matisse Alive.
As you journey into lower level two of the gallery, you will find yourself surrounded by a surge of vibrant energy and colour, art, music, and performance that invokes the effervescent spirit of Henri Mattise and captures the essence of his work.
The exhibit — running now until 3 April 2022 — features the works of four new artists that “range from dynamic textile environments to heroically scaled paintings and an immersive video work, presenting a contemporary perspective on the ‘modern master’. These projects are by leading contemporary artists: Nina Chanel Abney (US), FRAMILY TIES; Sally Smart (Australia), The Artist’s House; Angela Tiatia (Sāmoa / Australia), The Pearl; and Robin White (Aotearoa NZ), VAIOLA,” said The Art Gallery of NSW.
“There is also an electrifying display of tivaevae – the Polynesian art of quilting. This and other Pacific textile traditions profoundly influenced Matisse’s late great works, the ‘cut-outs’.”
In addition to the exhibit, art lovers anywhere can virtually explore Matisse Alive, where Art Gallery NSW says they can “discover curator insights and artist interviews, explore behind the scenes of artist commissions and get inspired at home with artmaking activities.”
All images in this article are courtesy of Henri Matisse.
