With Matisse in Tangier
With Matisse in Tangier film still 1
With Matisse in Tangier film still 2
With Matisse in Tangier film still 3
With Matisse in Tangier film still 4
Henri Matisse visited Tangier in 1912 – 1913 and Moroccan culture had a life-long impact on his work. This unique documentary explores the encounter from the Moroccan perspective as film director Moumen Smihi retraces Matisse's time in Tangier drawing on his work, letters and writings. Arriving in the midst of a storm, Matisse was initially stranded at the infamous Grand Hôtel Villa de France, where he painted still life and the celebrated Landscape Viewed From a Window 1912. When the weather improved and he was able to explore the city and surrounding countryside, he was inspired by the luminous North African light and completed many works during this time.
The film explores how the impressions left by the colour and patterns of traditional Moroccan art and the architecture of Tangier, can be seen in Matisse’s vibrant use of colour through his career.
Moumen Smihi, With Matisse in Tangier/Avec Matisse à Tanger France/Morocco 1993, video, 50min
Moumen Smihi: Poet of Tangier
We are delighted to bring back these free screenings following Moumen Smihi: Poet of Tangier retrospective at Tate Modern 9–18 May 2014.
Listen to our Introduction to Moumen Smihi and Q&A by Peter Limbrick.
