Chongqing - An exhibition featuring 100 prints by French artist Henri Matisse opened in Chongqing on Sept. 19, marking the first major presentation of his prints in the city.

The exhibition, titled Bathe in Color — A Journey of Lines, Body and Dreams, opened at Chongqing Times Art Museum at Huaxi LIVE on Sept. 19 and will run through Feb. 21, 2027.

Visitors view works at Bathe in Color — A Journey of Lines, Body and Dreams at the Chongqing Times Art Museum. (Photo provided by the organizer)

Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) was a major figure of 20th-century modern art and a leading artist of Fauvism. Known for his exploration of color, line, and form, he later developed paper cut-outs into one of the most recognizable parts of his artistic practice.

In Notes of a Painter, published in 1908, Matisse described his ideal art as "a soothing, calming influence on the mind," comparing it to "a good armchair" that provides relief from physical fatigue.

That idea runs through the exhibition, which explores Matisse's work through themes including line, the body, color, and dreams.

Visitors relax and explore a mirrored, immersive installation inspired by the Dance at the Matisse exhibition. (Photo/Shangyou News)

The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections and two special spaces, with five interactive areas and six immersive installations.

One section, "Themes and Variations", focuses on works from Matisse's 1941-1942 series of the same name. Through simple, spare lines, the works show Matisse's continued exploration of the human figure and form.

As his mobility became increasingly limited later in life, cut-outs grew into an important part of Matisse's practice. He cut shapes from painted paper and arranged them into compositions, developing a visual language built around color and contour. His book, Jazz, is closely associated with this period.

A section devoted to Matisse's cut-out period also introduces the basic process behind the works, from coloring paper and cutting shapes to arranging and mounting them. The display gives visitors a closer look at how Matisse worked with scissors and colored paper.

Visitors make their own paper cut-outs at an interactive area during the Matisse exhibition in Chongqing. (Photo/Shangyou News)

The exhibition also looks at Matisse's collaboration with Mourlot Frères, also known as Mourlot Studios, a Paris lithographic printing house that worked with many leading modern artists.

Alongside the artworks, the exhibition includes several interactive spaces. In an installation inspired by Dance, mirrors, art installations and prints create an area where visitors can sit or lie down and take in the surroundings.

At an interactive area called "Matisse Studio", visitors can try making their own paper cut-outs.