Matisse @ GOMA* Brisbane

‘Matisse: Drawing Life’ is the most comprehensive exhibition of Henri Matisse’s prints and drawings ever mounted.
It was a highlight of the Christmas period to get to this exhibition. An opportunity to get up close to at least 10 galleries of drawings.
Some insights:  He usually sat within 2 metres of his models and despite his famous photos of a hat wearing gentleman, swore like a trooper. Watch this

Matisse had off days, you can see it in some of his reworking but obviously he kept at it. One of his quotes was about the ‘integrity of the line, you must know where it begins and where it will end’.

He had numerous styles, some of which he explored for 10 years before moving on to another.
His famous paper cut outs began by covering a hole in his studio wall. It was disturbing him so he cut out a dove and pasted it over the hole.

These days we are surrounded by logos which owe their heritage to his work. I recommend watching this video, in particular from 39:25.

The exhibition ended with ‘The Drawing Room’ a gallery/cafe set with about 50 still lifes. Gold fish bowls, orchids, lilies, vases, fabrics. Paper, pencils and iPads were provided to draw while a violin played and visitors ordered coffee.