Line-up for the Blockbuster Henri Matisse Exhibition OPENING tomorrow at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago has announced the world premiere of MATISSE: RADICAL INVENTION, 1913-1917 concentrating on 117 of the artist’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints from this period.

There are two ways to enjoy this thoughtful collection of one of the 20th century’s greatest artists Henri Matisse (1869-1954). One, visitors can go to the exhibition, walk through the galleries and enjoy the beautiful art. Or, two, visitors can explore the exhibit more deeply through the wall text and audio tour. If you decide on the latter, set aside a minimum of an hour and a half.

Two important paintings in the collection, Bathers by a River (1909-10, 1913, 1916-17) and The Moroccans (1915-16) are explored in their entirety in relationship to change in this period of the artist’s life. An examination of these works reveal how Matisse began to turn down color for form. Working in a restrained range of colors allowed Matisse to focus more fully on the construction or deconstruction of the pictorial form.

Perhaps most important to this exhibition is Gallery 7 dedicated to Matisse’s work during 1916, a very difficult year for France and the artist during World War I. The art in this room features some of the most pivotal works of the artists’ career. Look closely at the surfaces of the art to get a feel for the change Matisse was creating. You’ll be able to observe surfaces thick with the trails of repeated reworking, products of the artist’s attempt to reconsider and adjust his approaches to familiar motifs. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan, (312) 443 3600. Through June 20, 2010.

TICKETS
Special dated, timed tickets to Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917 are NOT required.
Admission to the Art Institute includes all special exhibitions and coat check.

AUDIO TOUR
An audio tour of the exhibition is available. Audio tours may be pre-purchased with any ticket or purchased at the exhibition entrance, Michigan Avenue lobby, or Griffin Court. The audio tour is free to visually impaired visitors, and a typescript of the audio tour is available for the hearing- impaired.

EXHIBITION HOURS

Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917 will be on view:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:30 am–5:00 pm
• Friday: 11:30 am–8:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am–5:00 pm