Godon in the steps of Matisse
- Dated: October 2017
- Media: L’avenir – Le courrier de L’Escault – Belgium
Godon in the steps of Matisse
Using colour, new techniques, 3-D, the artist Alain Godon has followed in the footsteps of Matisse: an exhibition truly for the greater public.
The “Hauts-de-France” region (formerly the areas of “Nord”, Pas-de-Calais” and Picardie – in other words the North of France) is one of the most culturally dynamic regions of the country; and close to the Belgian border, cultural excursion opportunities abound in this area. So this autumn, the Matisse Museum in Le Cateau-Cambrésis (25km from Valenciennes) is hosting a totally novel experience; an exhibition by the French artist Alain Godon staged entirely with works created just for this occasion.
Matisse’s town
Le Cateau, just to remind you, is the town where the painter Henri Matisse was born. Before his death, he bequeathed part of his inheritance to the region. A second museum would be opened several years later in Nice, where the painter died. Since its creation, the museum in Le Cateau-Cambrésis has become an institution of significance with not only a permanent collection but also temporary exhibitions all with a link one way or another to Matisse.
But where is Matisse ?
There isn’t one single painting by the Master in the “Matisse, Godon, New York, Tahiti” exhibition. On this occasion, the museum asked the artist Alain Godon to follow the journey taken by Matisse in the 1930s from New York to Tahiti. A French painter and sculptor based in England, Alain Godon started painting as a graffiti artist on the pavements of Paris and Brighton in the 1980s. His paintings, as does his sculpture, reflect this. Furthermore, he’s an artist overflowing with imagination, seeking new techniques – such as the “BildoReliefo”, Esperanto for a picture in relief – and who wants to “bring happiness” going forward with his work. Colour, a black line, sometimes almost cartoon-like, he can’t fail but to be completely at ease in the world that Matisse described in the course of his journey through correspondence, photos, and rare documents, which are displayed throughout the exhibition.
The eyes of a child
To leave in search of another light is also an inner journey undertaken by Matisse in 1930. This exhibition reflects the two great discoveries that the artist was to make: “the” city with New York and the “pure light” of Tahiti. Godon himself also undertook that journey. He has given us in return colourful paintings, sculptures, and picturesque 3-D installations. Between light and shadow, bitter and sweet, this exhibition is above all faithful to the spirit of Matisse, who maintained that “you need to retain a child’s view”. And for those who want to see some “real” Matisse, they should visit the permanent collection in the museum. They won’t be disappointed!
Alain Godon uses multiple methods: painting, tapestry, sculpture and also new techniques giving a 3-D relief to his paintings. It’s full of colour and warmth.
Marie-Françoise Ghousse