Icarus, plate VIII from the illustrated book "Jazz", 1947 (pochoir), by Henri Matisse, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Monday, May 15, 2023
7:30 PM
In his own words, Matisse sought to create “…an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter…” Indeed, this master colorist’s art is rich, sensuous, opulent, and seemingly transparent… until subjected to deeper scrutiny. Unlike Cezanne’s paintings, which demonstrate a steady progression toward realizing his ultimate artistic vision, Matisse’s six-decade career contained puzzling starts and stops and vacillation between sculptural and decorative styles. Throughout, however, he raised profound questions about the very nature of art, of perception, and of reality. Of his friend and archrival, Picasso said, “All things considered, there is only Matisse.”
About Linda Blair:
Linda Blair has taught art history for many years, at the La Jolla Athenaeum and UC San Diego Osher; she was a docent at The Cloisters. She holds a BA from Mills College and an MA from USD. She is an active volunteer at UC San Diego, dedicated to raising scholarship funds.
The lecture will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. This event will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of the lecture.
Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.