The Baltimore Museum of Art?s epic exhibit, Matisse: Painter as Sculptor, was eight years in the making.
Showing more than 160 works, the nationally touring exhibit invites viewers to learn how French artist Henri Matisse?s sculptures related to his paintings, drawings, cut-paper collages and his contemporaries? artworks.
Though known for his paintings, Matisse?s sculpture best exposes the artist?s process ? not just the technical aspects but how Matisse worked through his ideas and solved aesthetic problems, said Jay Fisher, the BMA?s deputy director for curatorial affairs. “Matisse sketched an encyclopedia of poses to lift and explore in sculpture.”
Highlights ofPainter as Sculptor include serial examinations of single subjects such as the Back series and Jeanette heads. Other peak moments showcase the “Blue Nude” painting, “Blue Nude I” gouache on paper and “Still Life with Geranium,” where Matisse painted sculptural figures into the composition.
The BMA conducted the first-ever technical study of Matisse?s sculpture to better understand casting methods, mold lines, tool marks, patination color and surfacing finish among other aspects of the artist?s works. The study?s results are revealed in 3-D computer modeling.
Matisse?s figures? twisted torsos and unique positions beg viewers to circle his sculptures, said Associate Curator of European Painting and Sculpture Oliver Shell.
His figures ask you to assume their positions, Fisher added. In fact, “Matisse told his students to always take the position of the model to understand the muscle tension.”
IF YOU GO Matisse: Painter as Sculptor
VENUE: The Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore
WHEN: Oct. 28 through Feb. 23
Admission: $15 adult, $12 senior, $10 college student, $6 age 6 to 18, free for BMA members and children 5 and under
INFO.: 443-573-1700
