The Eschimo 1947

Henri Matisse made this collage called "The Eschimo" simply with cut-and-pasted colored paper. It’s like he’s making art with scissors. I love that. Matisse uses these bright, flat colors, juxtaposing them in a way that feels both decorative and deeply expressive. Look at the texture where the paper is laid down—there are slight imperfections, little bumps and wrinkles, but rather than being hidden, they are laid bare. The colors are all very flat, simple, and bold. The white face is so iconic, like a mask, and the dark green shapes floating inside make up the features, it's this strange combination of flatness and depth. I love how the leaves frame the face and add to the mask-like quality. I'm reminded of how Picasso was inspired by African masks. Matisse is doing something similar but completely his own. It's all about finding that balance, honoring the past, and pushing forward.