'An artist must never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of a style, prisoner of a reputation, prisoner of success...'
After 1948 Matisse was prevented from painting by ill health but, although confined to bed, he produced a number of works know as gouaches decoupees. These were made by cutting or tearing shapes from paper which had been painted with gouache. The shapes were placed and pasted down by an assistant working under Matisse's instruction. Some of the later ones, such as the Snail, were of very large dimensions. The technique, explored in his picture book, Jazz (published 1947) and other works, opened up new possibilities for him.
Matisse said of the technique that it 'allows me to draw in the colour. It is a simplification for me. Instead of drawing the outline and putting the colour inside it - the one modifying the other - I draw straight into the colour' (quoted in Amis de l'art, October 1951).
- The concentric pattern formed by the coloured shapes in the centre of the work echoes the spiral pattern found in the snail's shell.
- The composition of pairs and complimentary colours create a lively style.
- Large scale, mural size create a vibrant effect.
I have found this cut out technique offered me the ease to explore colour and shape and the freedom and versatility to express composition.
Matisse found a new way to continue making art, a new process to experience whilst going through ill health. I have found myself to be relatable to this in my art practice recently.