Matisse’s first China exhibition takes Beijing by storm

Tinari said he was especially moved and struck by Matisse’s humility when reading his speech to his town people in which he described himself, not as a great artist, but simply as a medium.

“… I finally discovered myself and understood that all the hard work in my life was for the great human family, to whom some of the fresh beauty of the world was to be revealed through me. I have thus been nothing more than a medium,” said Matisse in his speech to inaugurate the Matisse Museum in his hometown in 1952.

“Matisse touches all audiences because his message is universal. He speaks of happiness, beauty, harmony, and tranquility, and I hope the Chinese public will appreciate this dimension of Matisse’s work,” Deparpe said.

The French curator concluded that the collection that Matisse donated to his hometown and the museum he made with it is a gift and legacy, not only to Le Cateau and France but to all humanity, to encourage future generations in the pursuit of happiness.

During the exhibition, UCCA will organize a medley of public programs, guiding participants to explore Matisse’s artistic career, art and history at the turn of the 20^thcentury, and the artist’s influence on the Chinese modern art movement. Programs include conversations, workshops, film screenings and a performance.

The exhibition runs through Oct 15 and will subsequently travel to UCCA Edge in Shanghai.