The Cut-Outs

There’s a photograph of Matisse in his 70’s sitting in his wheelchair, barefoot, scissors in hand. His gaze surveys hundreds of coloured scraps strewn across the studio floor bearing several of his hallmarks—simplified shapes, bold colours and a graphic punch. This time, a kind of pseudo quarantine, is sometimes referred to as Matisse’s second life. It followed his bout with cancer and his confinement to a wheelchair, embodying what the creative spirit can endure despite myriad challenges. This time is often paired with the quote, “You see as I am obliged to remain often in bed because of the state of my health, I have made a little garden all around me where I can walk… There are leaves, fruits, a bird.” Taking cues from Matisse and this time period, in particular the pochoir prints published in Jazz, these projects reflect a love for the cut-out—the glorious potential of shape plus colour plus text.