Synopsis

Even an artist like Picasso was amazed by Matisse's paintings, paper cut-outs and collages. The co-founder of the Fauves knew how to capture the essence of a person in just a few lines, and used colour to create emotions. Using Matisse's essays on art and old film recordings as a basis, the author presents the life and work of the French born artist. He travels to New York, Tangiers and Tahiti, and visits all the locations which had stimulated Matisse's interest in decorative patters and vibrant colours.

Art Lives, from Arthaus, is a series of compelling documentaries on artists and art movements released for the first time on DVD in the English language.