Academics
High School
Matisse Inspired Collages
Students in grades 6–12 were introduced to the late-career work of French artist Henri Matisse. After briefly exploring his career as a painter and viewing several of his most renowned works—earning him the title “Father of Fauvism”—students learned how major historical events, including World War II, along with personal challenges to Matisse’s health, led him to reimagine his artistic practice.
In the final chapter of his career, Matisse reinvented himself by developing his groundbreaking cut-paper technique, often described as “painting with scissors.”
This bold, expressive approach became the inspiration for students’ first art project of the semester.
Students explored foundational elements of design as seen in Henri Matisse’s collage work. Using his approach as inspiration, students created abstract compositions that aimed to feel energetic, lyrical, playful, dynamic, and harmonious.
Working exclusively with shapes found in magazines, they experimented with shape, scale, repetition, positive and negative space, and color relationships to establish a clear focal point within each collage.
These compositions demonstrate a sophisticated balance of simplicity and intention, and they have helped prepare students for our next project—an exciting collaborative endeavor with Mrs. Amelia’s second grade class.
