Why Is Henri Matisse Important

Henri Matisse

During this semester we have discussed numerous interesting artist with all sort of artistic styles and views. I have viewed so many different artist works, painting, sculptures, objects, etc., but this one particular oil painting by Henri Matisse really stuck out to me like a sore thumb. The name of the painting is Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) 1905-1906. This painting was significant to me because Matisse's view of women and the message that motivated him was clearly portrayed in this remarkable piece he flawlessly created. Below I will discuss Matisse's work of art in particular, the style of the artwork, describe what this painting looks like, what symbols he as an artist used, whether or not they were effective,
First, In my opinion, from what I have read and researched Matisse was a very positive skilled artist who has contributed to art as a history and legion. "Henri Matisse was born in 1869, this was the year the Cutty Shark was launched. Ironically, the year he died was 1954, the first hydrogen bomb exploded at Bikini Atoll. However, not only did he literally live on from one world into another so to speak. Point being made is that Matisse lived through some of the most traumatic political events in record history. Matisse lived through the worst wars, the greatest slaughters, and the most demented rivalries of ideology without it even affecting him (or at least it wasn't shown through his work) . Matisse never made a moral improve painting or signed a manifesto. Matisse has scarcely one reference to a political event documented, or neither the less an expression of political opinion found anywhere in his writings. Just maybe Matisse did suffer
However, early on in his career Matisse was viewed as a Fauvist, and his celebration of bright colors reached its peak in about 1917. In 1905, Henri Matisse, created The Joy of Life painting and to the audience this is a remarkable vision upon the eye. Matisse used symbols that were bold, flat, contrasting colors to create a work with much impact on the audience. He simplified figures with strong outlines in which they are all finding their own peace in their own way. This celebration consist of some dancing, others relaxing, while the couple in the lower right are embracing each other. I have a particular interest in this painting because I appreciate the message that Matisse sends in this painting which was very heroic of him during this time era. Joy of Life, which is clearly very dreamlike and playful, while it seemingly illustrates a wonderful celebration that invites anyone in the world to join. When people gather to celebrate, there is normally music, dancing, and talking. In which, in my opinion, Matisse portrayed in this painting (a hidden message). This was Matisse way of exposing women, not as villains, predators, prey, or victims, but as nurturers and caregivers. This painting indicated that women should not be look upon as dark sexual images, but as a celebration of life that should be honored