UK art historian and National Gallery guide Paul Chapman will be in Narrabri to present ArtsNational’s last talk for the 2024 season, ‘Matisse – Simple Beauty’ in Cinema 1 at The Crossing Theatre on Monday, October 21.
The French artist Henri Matisse is regarded, along with Pablo Picasso, as someone who defined the revolutionary developments in visual arts throughout the opening decades of the twentieth century.
Matisse first started to paint in 1889, after his mother brought him art supplies during a period of convalescence following an attack of appendicitis.
He discovered ‘a kind of paradise’ as he later described it, and decided to become an artist, deeply disappointing his father. But his intense use of colour in paintings brought him notoriety and fame.
Matisse developed a new style of bold flat colours, capturing the attention of artists and art lovers worldwide.
Some of Henri Matisse’s most famous paintings feature goldfish, which appeared in over fifty of his paintings.
Matisse was fascinated by the way that goldfish moved through the water and they had a personal significance for him – he saw them as symbols of happiness and harmony.
In a letter to his son Pierre, he wrote, “When you have nothing more to say, you may have the impression you have said too much, but the goldfish in their bowl is a reminder that there is always something to contemplate.”
Matisse’s goldfish paintings are some of his most recognisable and beloved works. They reflect his passion for colour, movement, and simplicity, and they stand as testament to his artistic vision and genius.
Matisse famously also had an exceptional love of cats.
Three of his favourite cats were Minouche, Coussi, and a black cat named la Puce.
He liked to feed them brioche every morning, and in old age, bedridden with ill health, he often worked with his cats by his side.
Matisse didn’t let anything stop him from making art.
During the last decade of his life he occupied himself with decoupage, creating works of brilliantly coloured paper cutouts arranged with an unfailing eye for design.
Our guest speaker Paul Chapman has many years of experience working in education.
As a freelance lecturer Paul delivers courses and lectures for a wide range of educational organisations. Paul has given talks and tours for art associations/societies in museums and galleries in the UK and Europe.
ArtsNational lectures last for approximately one hour, followed by complimentary drinks and canapés in The Crossing Theatre café with an opportunity to chat with our guest speaker.
Our international and Australian arts speakers are experts in their fields.
