Animations to the Artistic Journey

With ‘Matisse - Invitation to the Voyage’, the Fondation Beyeler presents a comprehensive Henri Matisse retrospective in autumn 2024. With over 70 major works, the exhibition focuses on the development and diversity of the pioneering work of one of the most important Modernist artists.

Matisse's development is brought to life in a multimedia space created exclusively for the exhibition. It is characterised by a thematic juxtaposition on two opposing walls: On the one side, Matisse's physical journey through various geographical locations is visualised. On the other side, the artistic development in various studios is shown.

Both sides of the multimedia space are characterised by the interlocking of printed wall elements and projected images. The inner journey is illustrated by projected films and photos framed by printed quotes from the artist. On the opposite wall, the artist's physical journey becomes tangible through window views: Within printed frames, landscapes pass by, birds and trees move in the wind. Here, the historical scenes that presented themselves to Matisse's artistic eye are brought to life.

The project was already the fourth successful collaboration between iart and the Fondation Beyeler as part of one of their blockbuster exhibitions. This time, too, the multimedia space provides the radiant finale. Here, visitors deepen and reflect on the artistic and biographical development of the artist that they have experienced in the previous rooms and linger even longer in the museum.