Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs-Filled with Shapes & Color; Don't Miss Out

The MoMA's Matisse cut-out collage exhibit is the most comprehensive assemblage of Matisse's works in this medium.  In the 1940's, when Matisse's health & mobility waned, he veered from his oil paintings & began cutting & assembling painted paper into abstract & architectural forms.  Perhaps this facilitated the artist's ability to create from a more sedentary, eased position.   Perhaps this medium was liberating, allowing Matisse to manipulate his work easier than painting oil on canvas.  Regardless,  Matisse continued to experiment & expand from his body of work.  It may be assumed that great artists would contemplate their legacy in their later years with the aspiration for remaining relevant.  "I know it will only be much later that people will realize to what extent the work I am doing today is in step with the future."  Many of the 100+ works on display are easily identifiable as Matisse's.  The painted paper cut-outs resemble compositions & forms of his previous paintings.   It is intersting to note, however, that the rigid cut-out shapes have a fluidity & mobility in their composition.  And, the abstract, multi-layered child-like shapes are very joyful & intriguing.  Most refreshing & dynamic is Matisse's monumental cut-out "The Swimming Pool," (1952.)  I felt bouyant as though I were I floating through his configuration of swimmers.  The entire exhibit is delightful & exuberant; not to be missed.