Matisse – Metamorphoses

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Content30 August – 8 December 2019

During his lifetime, Henri Matisse">Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954) was already hailed as both a revolutionary painter and the inventor of the cut-outs. Far less known, however, is that he also modelled in clay and plaster and was keen to be recognized for his work as a sculptor. The four bronze bas-reliefs that make up ‘Back (I–IV)’ are not only his most important creations in the medium but also a milestone in modern sculpture.

This exhibition focuses on the artistic method Matisse brought to bear in almost all his principal sculptures: starting out from a seemingly naturalistic approach, his figures progressed through increasing degrees of abstraction that culminated in radical stylization. At the same time he captured the key ‘states’ as sculptures in their own right, laying bare the workings of his creative process. As if by metamorphosis, his bronzes are transformed from a natural to an abstract form. There are parallels with this process in his paintings and drawings, and the exhibition explores the relationship between them for the first time.

Matisse’s various sources of inspiration – nude photographs, originals from African art and Antiquity – as well as photographs showing the artist at work on his sculptures complete a focused presentation that sheds light on a lesser-known side of the French master.Supported by:

Selection of further exhibitions in:

01.08.2016 - 01.01.2030
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2
Zürich

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01.01.2016 - 01.01.2030
Landesmuseum Zürich
Museumstrasse 2
Zürich

阅读更多 >>










Matisse – Metamorphoses Kunsthaus Zürich Main address: Kunsthaus Zürich Heimplatz 1 8001 Zürich, Kunsthaus Zürich Heimplatz 1 8001 Zürich, Content30 August – 8 December 2019

During his lifetime, Henri Matisse">Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954) was already hailed as both a revolutionary painter and the inventor of the cut-outs. Far less known, however, is that he also modelled in clay and plaster and was keen to be recognized for his work as a sculptor. The four bronze bas-reliefs that make up ‘Back (I–IV)’ are not only his most important creations in the medium but also a milestone in modern sculpture.

This exhibition focuses on the artistic method Matisse brought to bear in almost all his principal sculptures: starting out from a seemingly naturalistic approach, his figures progressed through increasing degrees of abstraction that culminated in radical stylization. At the same time he captured the key ‘states’ as sculptures in their own right, laying bare the workings of his creative process. As if by metamorphosis, his bronzes are transformed from a natural to an abstract form. There are parallels with this process in his paintings and drawings, and the exhibition explores the relationship between them for the first time.

Matisse’s various sources of inspiration – nude photographs, originals from African art and Antiquity – as well as photographs showing the artist at work on his sculptures complete a focused presentation that sheds light on a lesser-known side of the French master.Supported by:
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