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The Art Institute of Chicago has an new show of Matisse’s work titled Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color March 7-June1, 2026 with a preview on March 5th.  The show features Matisse’s paper cutting art.

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) focused on paper cutting as a new medium following a troubling surgery that left him unable to paint.  Encouraged by his publisher friend he explored the new medium and ended up creating vibrant pieces that were published as an unbound book in 1947.  The book Jazz was a hit and reinvigorated his career at age 77.

This exhibition will be the first time Matisse’s Jazz will be shown in entirety.  Jazz and 50 other works by Matisse will be shown to highlight Matisse’s 50 years as an artist.

Watercolorists can learn from Matisse’s paper cuts. His approach can help an artist move away from unnecessary detail and focus on vibrant, balanced color with playful arrangements and compositions.  It’s a fun lesson on how to simplify complex subjects into bold, organic shapes to improve flow of the composition.

Have you ever used paper cutting to inspire your compositions? I’d love to hear from others who enjoy Matisse’s paper cutting art - please comment below.

Check out some of Matisse’s paper cuts here:

https://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2014/matisse/the-cut-outs.html

https://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2014/matisse/downloads/matisse-cut-outs-artworks.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbs776vzVBM

https://www.moma.org/magazine/articles/1156

https://www.artic.edu/exhibitions/10557/matisse-s-jazz-rhythms-in-color