In the late 1940s, Henri Matisse introduced a radically new form of art that came to be called a cut-out. The culmination of Matisse’s long career, his cut-outs reflect his deep engagement with form and color and his inventiveness as an artist. Curator Jodi Hauptman and conservator Karl Buchberg talk about the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition “Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs.” It’s a groundbreaking look at the final chapter of the artist’s career, and includes approximately 100 cut-outs—from public and private collections around the globe—along with a selection of related drawings, illustrated books, stained glass, and textiles, as well as the post-conservation debut of MoMA’s "The Swimming Pool" (1952). The exhibition is on view through February 8, 2015.

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). The Fall of Icarus (La Chute d’Icare), 1943. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, and pins. 13 2/4 x 10 5/8” (35 x 27 cm).

(Private collection. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). The Swimming Pool (La Piscine), late summer 1952. Maquette for ceramic (realized 1999 and 2005). Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, on painted paper. Overall 73 x 647” (185.4 x 1653.3 cm). Installed as nine panels in two parts on burlap-covered walls 136” (345.4 cm) high. Frieze installed at a height of 65” (165 cm).

(The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Mrs Bernard F. Gimbel Fund, 1975 © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Two Masks (The Tomato) (Deux Masques [La Tomate]), 1947. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted. 18¾ x 20 3/8 (47.7 x 51.8 cm).

(Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Marron, New York. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Maquette for Red Chasuble (front). Late 1950-52. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted. 52 1/2 x 78 1/8″ (133.4 x 198.4 cm).

(The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Acquired through the Lillie P. Bliss Bequest © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Nuit de Noël. 1952. Maquette for stained-glass window. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, mounted on board. 10’7″ x 53 1/2″ (322.8 x 135.9 cm).

(The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Time Inc. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Blue Nude II (Nu bleu II), spring 1952. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, on white paper, mounted on canvas. 45 ¾ x 35” (116.2 x 88.9 cm).

(Musée national d’art moderne/Centre de création industrielle, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris. Purchase, 1984. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). The Sheaf (La Gerbe), 1953. Maquette for ceramic (realized 1953). Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, on paper, mounted on canvas. 115 ¾ x 137 ¾” (294 x 350 cm).

(Collection University of California, Los Angeles. Hammer Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney F. Brody. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). The Parakeet and the Mermaid. 1952. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, and charcoal on white paper. 11’ 11/16” x 25’ 2 9/16″ (337 x 768.5 cm).

(Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. Acquired with the assistance of the Vereeniging Rembrandt and the Prince Bernhard Cultuurfonds © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). Large Decoration with Masks (Grande Décoration aux Masques), 1953. Preliminary maquette for ceramic. Gouache on paper, cut and pasted, and ink on white paper, mounted on canvas. 139 ¼ x 392 ¼” (353.6 x 996.4 cm).

(National Gallery of Art, Washington. Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1973.17.1. © 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)