The Matisse cut-outs exhibition is coming from The Tate in London to the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) this fall and textile designers are scrambling to release fabric designs inspired by the art. What is sure to be a blockbuster event (I am currently debating buying my tickets now, or even getting a Moma membership just for the member preview nights...) surface and textile designers know that the public will be primed to incorporate Matisse's modern, colorful and graphic art into their home decor.
The Role of textiles in Matisse Art
Matisse came from a family with a tradition of textile designers, his grandfather was a weaver, and he collected fabrics his entire life which are incorporated into much of his art. Fabric played such a huge role in his art that the Metropolitan Museum of Art curated a show, Matisse: The Fabric of Dreams His Art and His Textiles in 2005.
In addition, some of his wealthiest collectors were Russian textile magnates which continued the synergy between art and fabric.
Matisse Cut-Outs
In the 1940's, Matisse was bound to a chair and started using painted papers as a basis for designing his paintings. Initially, he planned on commissioning paintings from the designs but enjoyed the collage form so immensely that he used the scissors and paper exclusively in his art. {I too am addicted to collage art and use it in my art which you can find on etsy}
About the exhibition
I found this video from the Tate's website which you can watch while you stir your coffee (it's short)
Fabric designers using Matisse as inspiration
The Wall Street Journal published an article, "A Sofa By...Matisse" in its most recent weekend edition with the following fabrics. I've paired some of them with the paintings that may have inspired them.
Colors Fabric in Mint Julep, $120 per yard, Lulu DK
Billy Baldwin designed room as seen on WSJ, Matisse painting on the back wall
China Seas Arbre de Matisse Fabric by Quadrille, $210 per yard, Design Professionals
If you go to this designer's website you will find a plethora of gorgeous wall papers and fabrics inspired by Matisse as well as those with the same design aesthetic. Shown here: Deliciosa Fabric in Peacock, $150 per yard, aimeewilder.com
Breach Candy Fabric in Anjeer Lilac, $211 per yard, Seema Krish
