Mr. Frank Burbach, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany

I feel very honoured to congratulate the organisers of this exhibition with works by Matisse, my special thanks go to my friend Paul Kan, who relentlessly proposes art as a means of mutual understanding. The exhibition carries the title: “Peace and Harmony – When East meets West” and draws a bridge between Matisse and China. Clearly the French painter Matisse is not only French, not only European, he is a true artist of the world.

We in Europe see Matisse mainly influenced by the Middle East and by North Africa. This exhibition proves that he also was strongly influenced by China. What strikes me most in Matisse is his liberty to play with shapes, forms and lines that refer to everyday objects like flowers, fruits, fabrics, furniture and above all the human body. Putting daring colour combinations on canvas and paper he brings magic to the seemingly simple shapes of everyday life, deepening their meaning and making them eternal. Objects Matisse depicts are familiar and at the same time new. I personally love also the paper cut-outs of Matisse, where the bold use of strong colours in abstract patterns reaches a climax. It is touching to know that he had to use the scissors because his hand could no longer hold a brush. Towards the end the genius of Matisse concentrated all his powers for a final firework. Matisse created a magic world of his own, in which “Calme, Luxe and Volupte”, the title of one of his major paintings, prevailed, notwithstanding the dark times in which this art was created. The title resembles the title of this exhibition, which invites you to be a guest in the sensual world of Matisse.

Matisse will always count among the greatest painters of Modern Art.

Frank Burbach
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany