Public Art Mural Projects

There’s a photograph of Matisse in his 70’s sitting in his wheelchair, barefoot, scissors in hand. His gaze surveys the hundreds of coloured scraps strewn across the floor of his studio. More papers are piled on a table behind him and we can easily make out the legs of a ten-foot-tall figure pinned to the wall. The figure, a quintessential example of Matisse’s cut outs, bears several of his hallmarks—simplified shapes, bold colours and lots of graphic punch. This time, a kind of pseudo quarantine, is sometimes referred to as Matisse’s second life. It followed his bout with cancer and his confinement to a wheelchair, neither of which held his art practice back. Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, images of Matisse in this second life have proliferated social media. They seem to embody what the creative spirit can endure despite myriad challenges. They are often coupled with the quote, “You see as I am obliged to remain often in bed because of the state of my health, I have made a little garden all around me where I can walk… There are leaves, fruits, a bird.”

Taking cues from Matisse and this time period, in particular the pochoir prints published in Jazz, these two mural projects depict plants known for their healing properties. Both designs convey a sense of taking care within this graphic garden—of ourselves, each other and the natural environment. Some of the healing plants include yarrow which is a first-aid treatment for cuts, dandelion which helps fight inflammation and is a potent antioxidant, rosemary which improves digestion and helps with memory and concentration, as well as mint which aids in our fight against colds. The overall effect is one of joy and colour. Text elements such as relieves nerves, and aids with sleep underscore the plants medicinal properties, but also serve as poetic phrases.