Incredible documentary on BBC4 last night as part of their Modern Masters series, on the life and work of Henri Matisse. I've seen pictures of the chapel that he designed for Vence in Southern France many times before, and always loved the beautiful stained glass...but seeing it so close up in this documentary was amazing.
Matisse was an atheist. He once wrote, "My only religion is love of the work to be created, and total sincerity." But at the end of his life, recovering from an operation that had nearly killed him, Matisse was nursed by Monique Bourgeois, who later became a Dominican nun - Sister Jacques-Marie.
To thank her, Matisse built a chapel for her and her fellow sisters in the town of Vence in southern France, designing the project right down to the last detail - including the stunning stained-glass windows, the murals, and the altar statuary. It's still in use today. (from here)
The colours are at once calming and uplifting, and the simple abstract foliage motifs still look so contemporary. You can see his influence on all sorts of modern designers, ranging from Paul Smith to Orla Kiely to Dick Bruna (true!).
If you have an hour to spare, I recommend watching the full episode, but if not, just make sure you see the last 20 minutes that focus on the chapel and the stained glass. Alistair Sooke is utterly moved by being inside the chapel, observing the changing light coming through the stained glass, and the effect it has on him.
Click here to watch on i-Player(only available for a limited period!)
i'd love to have seen it , those rotters at the bbc won't let me see it now either. Could you lodge a complaint with your new MP on behalf of your little irish blogger buddy. {not so little } .Do you have a megaphone?
ReplyDeletelet the irish have iplayer
let the irish have iplayer
let the irish have iplayer
let the irish have iplayer
I watched this this afternoon as I am a massive fan of Matisse, especially his paper cut outs. They are truly great and you can't quite believe he could create such modern ideas in his mature age.
ReplyDeleteHis glass windows are just like the cherry on the cake, they look amazing and I would love to go and visit. It's just a shame he didn't find glass a bit sooner!
This is somewhere I'd love to visit. My sister and I went to Notre Dame in February. I've been there loads of times before but for some reason,because of the light, we both found it incredibly moving.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big Matisse fan will check it out on i-player now, thanks flora!:)
ReplyDeleteJust watched Matisse on i-player while painting and loved it! The chapel at the end was soooo beautiful and they played the only piece of classical music I know and love 'Spiegel im Spiegel' ..i filled up!!! thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad you saw it - it is really moving isn't it. We're going to France in our campervan in July - I wonder if I can persuade Mike to take a little detour....
ReplyDeleteI went to the chapel a couple of years ago, and it is indeed beautiful. Sitting there with the sunlight coming through the stained glass was a very magical and tranquil experience.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately they don't allow photographs inside, not that they would do the place justice.
The best I can show you is this
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ascatteredbrain/2821746924/in/set-72157606824294758/
These look so beautiful, what an amazing place it must be to sit quietly and contemplate. Thanks for sharing Flora. L x
ReplyDeletei saw this was on, should've taped it but i thought i was all matissed out since my obsession earlier in life! i will indeed iplayer it. i have been to the chapel in vence and it is truly special.
ReplyDeletelove your blossom piece and yes the names are really lovely.