Anita Marci's "Matisse's Makai"

     This cut paper painting is titled "Matisse's Makai."  It was made for my collector's daughter's bedroom. Unbeknownst to me, a Matisse exhibit was their very first art experience as Mother and Daughter. I love when a wonderful synchronicity like that happens.  It makes the art so much more meaningful to the collectors. 

     I have always been a big fan of Henri Matisse. I adore his color and I am particularly excited by the cut-outs from his later years.  I did my research on these cut-outs, and found that the artist had assistants paint large sheets of colors that he had mixed.  He then, cut his shapes, for his art, with a scissors.  I love the child-like quality of his shapes, and it was my intention to capture that in my work.  

    This bedroom faces the Pacific Ocean in West Maui.  Makai is the Hawaiian word for Ocean.  This piece is inspired by Matisse's "La Piscine," which is french for swimming pool.  I transformed the swimming pool into an ocean by bringing  in sea elements such as sea weed, starfish and fish.  There is also a whale tale at the top. I enjoy the way the shadow trails off the tale, like a splash of light instead of water. 

     In much of my art,  I consciously add a male and female element in some form or other. I like the balance of the yin and yang.  So, notice the male figure on the left and the female figure on the right.  I then commissioned a custom plexi-glass case to protect the art, which is not shown here. I also enjoy the large denim pillows and their texture next to the painted paper.  A very fun piece, don't you think so!