Matisse, His Art and His Textiles: The Fabric of Dreams (Hardcover)

Matisse's unique vision was astounding. In addition to his paintings, he sculpted, illustrated books, and designed sets for Diaghilev. Born in the north of France, which is the core of that country's textile industry, Matisse was exposed early on to the beauty of fabrics.. For many generations his family had been weavers, perhaps his love of textiles came to him naturally. It's been said that he was particularly attracted to Islamic art, the intricate patterns and colors that arrested the eye. What is known is that his Nice studio held a veritable trove of exotic carpets, embroideries, wall hangings, and all manner of brilliantly colored cushions and curtains.

His use of textiles is evident in his paintings in which he uses fabric as a backdrop or simply to drape a model. It was, indeed, part and parcel of his art. Consider the use of fabric in his "Purple Robe and Anemones" - there is, of course, the purple striped robe worn by his model but also the two wall coverings in golds, red, blue. Amazing. Or, consider his "Interior, Flowers, and Parakeets," in which we find the table covered by a colorful, intricately patterned runner above a diamond patterned ruby rug.

Many of the fabrics on display in the exhibit and brought to vibrant life in this marvelous volume have been stored away since Matisse's death in 1954. "Matisse, His Art, and His Textiles, " in addition to being superbly illustrated, explores the relationship of Matisse's fabrics to his paintings, and thus adds considerably to our knowledge and appreciation of one of the forerunners of modern art.

- Gail Cooke

This particular book is a great companion to that biographical set. In addition to Spurling, the authors include Ann Dumas (independent curator), Jack Flam (art professor in New York), Rémi Labrusse (contemporary art professor at the Université de Picardie), and Dominique Szymusiak (director of the Musée Matisse). They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge about Matisse to this project.

This book is lavishly and loving illustrated, and follows the exhibitions at the Musée Matisse, Le Cateau-Cambrésis; the Royal Academy of Arts, London; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. There are nearly 200 full-colour illustrations here. Colour is of vital importance, since this is primary in the art work of Matisse.

Matisse's family had a strong background in textiles, and this is a recurring theme in the artwork of Matisse. He no doubt developed a sensitivity to colour and texture very early in life from this influence. Matisse kept an extensive collection of textile samples and fragments, and was surrounded by carpets, curtains, wallpapers, upholstery, and many other forms of textile inspirations from many different cultural settings.

This is gorgeous book on a beautiful theme.