WE
ARE?
Maison Matisse is the space created by the artist’s great-grandson in order to share, celebrate and pass on the legacy of his forebear: Henri Matisse.
The designers chosen by Maison Matisse draw inspiration from the heart of works by Henri Matisse to create timeless objects such as those the artist himself held dear.
“Something inside of me pushes me to always try new things.”
These words of Henri Matisse perfectly capture the unique spirit of adventure that animates his work. From painting to paper cut-outs, from drawing to sculpture, he never ceased, throughout his life, to experiment in absolute freedom, far removed from any dogmatism.
Today, Maison Matisse continues this philosophy through its various creations: permanent collections inspired by a particular work, limited-edition collections celebrating a specific moment, and collaborations with renowned companies to bring together the beauty of Matisse’s oeuvre with exceptional craftsmanship.
Henri Matisse assis devant l’un de ses tapas océaniens, vers 1930 © Photo: Administration Jean Matisse(c) D.R.
“My aim is to convey my emotions. This state of mind is created by the objects that surround me and resonate within me,” said Matisse, who loved to surround himself with what Aragon called “a palette of objects.”
By offering a three-dimensional interpretation of Matisse’s work, Maison Matisse remains faithful to this sensitivity towards objects that hold meaning and which serve as vehicles for contemplation.
“The object is an actor: a good actor can perform in ten different plays; an object can play a different role in ten different paintings.”
Maison Matisse wishes to share the very special relationship the artist had with the objects that filled his studio, all so versatile, at once useful and a source of aesthetic pleasure, and bearers of the stories we wish to pass on.
Five words that guide the choices and actions of Maison Matisse, five words that connect the Maison to its origins and which reflect the philosophy of Henri Matisse.
OPTIMISM
Through the collections, Maison Matisse aims to convey the optimism found in the works of Henri Matisse, placing generosity, joy and sharing at the heart of its creations. The items on offer are crafted by artisans who are all driven by a love of beauty and a shared commitment to sustainability and excellence.
EXCELLENCE
Maison Matisse takes the time needed to imagine and design, to select and produce, in valuing creativity and manual and traditional savoir-faire, whilst in reducing distance and pace. We are committed to creating objects that are respectful of both nature and people.
Henri Matisse à l’œuvre, 1947, par Ina Bandy © Photo : Archives Henri Matisse. (c) D.R.
SIMPLICITY
Far from superficiality and formulaic worlds, Maison Matisse offers objects that stand out for the calm clarity of their presence, their poetry, and their simple beauty, made to be passed down from generation to generation.
BOLDNESS
Through limited-edition collections, Maison Matisse invites designers to interpret and demonstrate what Matisse’s work has to say about the world. Boldness fuels creativity and challenges savoir-faire, playfully defying trends and conventions.
OPENNESS TO THE WORLD
Maison Matisse fosters encounters, experiences and inspiration, to bring Henri Matisse’s visionary spirit to life through contemporary objects.
In taking the time needed to imagine and design, select and produce, in valuing creativity and savoir-faire, in reducing distance and pace, Maison Matisse remains committed to creating objects that are energy efficient and which are respectful to nature and to people.
