“The Lagoon 1” is a celebrated work by Henri Matisse, created in 1943. It is a notable illustration from the “Jazz Book” series and falls under the art movement referred to as Abstract Expressionism, though it should be noted that Matisse is more commonly associated with Fauvism and Modernism. This artwork is one of his later works where he explores the vibrant and expressive potential of paper cut-outs as an artistic medium.
The artwork exhibits a playful, yet calculated composition of organic shapes and lively colors. Matisse has employed a limited color palette that features tones of red, purple, green, black, and white. These colors are arranged in a series of repeating and intersecting forms that suggest rhythm and movement. The contrasting forms and colors leap out from the canvas, imbuing the piece with a dynamic and nearly musical quality, corresponding with its inclusion in the “Jazz Book.” The organic shapes might evoke natural elements, like the flora of a lagoon, yet they are abstracted to the point where they primarily serve a decorative and compositional purpose rather than presenting a literal depiction. The layering and overlapping of these patterns create a sense of depth and interaction, alluding to the eponymous aquatic environment in an abstract manner.
In this work, Matisse’s skillful use of cut-paper shapes demonstrates his innovative approach to the concept of drawing with scissors, creating a distinct and influential form of illustration that expanded the possibilities of visual expression in the 20th century.
