Matisse et Rouault

Although their styles and interests were quite different, both Henri Matisse and Georges Rouault – French painters active between the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century – were graduates of the same school: École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After graduating from this prestigious institution, they started a letter correspondence which lasted over 50 years. Although the exchanging of letters between artists isn't uncommon (think of the correspondence between Van Gogh and his brother Theo), the notes penned by the French pair shine new light upon the history of modern art. At this Shiodome exhibition, you can take a look at part of Matisse and Rouault's letters, which are displayed alongside paintings that the duo were working on when they scribbled down the thoughts on show.