The Barnes Foundation’s newest exhibit spotlights Matisse and Renoir.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Mussel-Fishers at Berneval”
Anyone who’s wandered the Barnes’ (barnesfoundation.org) second-floor galleries has found themselves entranced by the whimsical works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse. Now, fans can explore the paintings of these foundational European modernists in Matisse & Renoir: New Encounters at the Barnes. The exhibit, on view from June 23 to Sept. 8, presents approximately 35 pieces in new contexts and juxtapositions. Here, co-curator Cindy Kang offers a glimpse into the iconic collection.
What was the inspiration for the exhibit?
We wanted to give audiences the rare opportunity to temporarily encounter such beloved paintings in a new way. The narrative of the exhibition was also inspired by the artistic mentorship that Matisse sought from Renoir near the end of the latter’s life.
What do you hope visitors take from the exhibit?
We hope visitors see how fresh and innovative these artists were with their approach to color and composition, their audacity in using such vibrant palettes and their approach to evoking form and space while respecting the two-dimensionality of the canvas. We also hope that they see how important Renoir was to modern art as he greatly influenced so many of the major avant-garde European artists that came after him.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Leaving the Conservatory.”
What impact did Matisse and Renoir have on European Modernism?
Matisse and Renoir defined the decorative and coloristic approach to painting for modern European artists. Modern French painting became an expressive arrangement of color and form across the flat surface of the canvas. It also drew heavily from the artistic traditions of many non-western and ancient cultures, as well as commercial art like posters or advertisements and even children’s drawings.
How does the exhibit offer a fresh perspective on the artists and their work?
We hope this will allow visitors to see more clearly how the artists worked with particular themes, motifs and palettes. The exhibition will also allow audiences to visually understand the artistic lessons Matisse learned from Renoir by seeing their works juxtaposed in a spacious installation that gives each work room to shine.
Which piece do you love the most?
One of my favorites is Matisse’s “Red Madras Headdress” because it seems so simple, yet it is a work of incredible visual power. I love the boldness of the line, the color and the combination of patterns, which come from Matisse’s synthesis of global influences as well as high and low visual culture.
Photography by: COURTESY OF THE BARNES FOUNDATION
