Jacky 1947

Henri Matisse made this drawing, Jacky, in 1947. It's all about line, a simple but confident outline that captures a likeness with minimal fuss. It's so direct, you sense the artist's hand moving swiftly across the page. The surface is bare except for these decisive marks. Look at the way Matisse defines the eyes with just a few strokes, the curve of the lips, the gentle suggestion of her hair. There is a sense of rhythm and flow, as if the line is dancing across the page. For me, it is especially interesting how he gives the figure depth using only one line, the mark is both the outside edge and the interior, all in one go. Matisse reminds us that art doesn't need to be complicated to be powerful. In this he has something in common with Picasso, always questioning, always pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Like a good conversation, art evolves through the exchange of ideas. "Jacky" invites us to join in.