The artwork “Cut Outs” by Henri Matisse is an exemplary illustration from the “Jazz Book”, a series that demonstrates abstract expressionism, though it is more commonly associated with Matisse’s later work in Fauvism and Modernism. Matisse’s creation does not conform purely to the principles of abstract expressionism but indeed exhibits a significant departure from traditional representational art towards a more abstract and expressive aesthetic.
The artwork itself is vibrant and composed of bold color blocks that interplay with organic shapes, forming a lively and rhythmic composition reminiscent of the jazz music that perhaps inspired its creation. The color palette is primary, with red, blue, and yellow hues dominating the canvas, set against a backdrop of white which accentuates their brightness and purity. Subtle variations in shape and size among these color patches create a sense of movement and harmony.
In executing these works, Matisse employed a technique where he cut colored paper into various shapes and arranged them into dynamic compositions; this method highlighted his brilliant use of color and pursued a new simplicity and fluidity in his work. The abstract elements symbolize a departure from his earlier figurative work and move towards a focus on form and color as the primary conveyors of meaning. Despite referencing the artwork as related to the abstract expressionist aesthetic, it significantly aligns with his innovative and influential approach to art in his later years.
