Henri Matisse

What is it about Matisse's painting that captivates us today? What truth connects us to his work and what is our spiritual kinship today? Looking at Matisse's works, it is almost impossible to say how and why his art fills us with emotions. Is it perhaps the balance of colors that satisfies basic chords of our own balance in the world? Is it the design, simple yet essential, that reminds us of our own existence? Is it the writing style and the brushstrokes, often abrupt and nervous, that bring us nostalgic memories? Perhaps these sudden brushstrokes remind us of the sudden end of life. And ultimately, what is the meaning of painting and of life itself? Perhaps it is simply our presence in the world, the morning awakening in a room bathed in light, our breakfast, the fruits on the plate and the presence of an apple, the presence of the painting itself that puts us in the spotlight. And the painted images penetrate thoughts, ourselves and logic, and show

our presence in the world.