Matisse's Journey

A Paper Museum about the Life of Henri Matisse

 A collaboration between Everafter Books and UCCA Kids, 

presenting a collector's-grade art education picture book.

Matisse's Journey is not only an entertaining journey story 

but also a practical tool for art education.
It guides children to explore the boundless journey of inspiration in the life 

of the modern art master, Henri Matisse,
and to experience the profound friendship between Matisse and Picasso.

Illustrated by Dong Yingda, Written by Lv Huiyang

Published by Everafter Books, July 2023

Hardcover, 60 pages, 118RMB, 21 x 29.5 cm, for age 3+

Worldwide rights available.

Matisse's Journey is the first book in the "UCCA Artists and Kids" series. This picture book takes readers on a captivating exploration of the life, travels, and artistic journey of the modern art master, Matisse. It provides a way to closely follow in the footsteps of this great artist, experiencing the creative inspiration he drew from countless journeys and the profound friendship and rivalry he shared with Picasso, his lifelong companion.

Throughout the book, it shares the aesthetic concepts of the Fauvist movement, insights into different cultural customs, and the vastness and richness of the world.

In the southern part of France, Matisse delved deep into nature, seeking the secrets of light. He believed that there, hidden away, lay the unique colors he had been pursuing. In the Sahara Desert, Matisse was drawn to oases and palm trees, feeling the vitality of nature could be expressed on paper through his brush.

In Morocco, rainy afternoons were particularly serene. Matisse tenderly depicted the streets and cafes of the ancient city, incorporating the beauty of the landscape into his creations. In Tahiti, the sea breeze and the scent of gardenias brought him a whole new inspiration. Paddling a canoe, he ventured in the azure waters, experiencing an extraordinary artistic journey.

However, after falling ill, Matisse could no longer travel far. Yet, the magic of the journeys continued to ferment within him. He began creating with scissors and colored paper, revealing another unique artistic style. His creations remained vibrant and inspired, blending his inner world with distant places.

about the authors

Dong Yingda, an illustrator, graduated from the Communication University of China (CUC) with a major in animation. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at the Lucca School of Fine Arts, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), where his research centers on the fusion of Chinese and Western visual traditions among contemporary Chinese illustrators. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of illustrations, including children's picture books, editorial illustrations, prints, and independent art books.
Among his notable works are the published children's picture book Crooked Head Wooden Pile and a self-published art book A Discussion about Seasons, Sketchnotes. Additionally, Dong has contributed editorial illustrations to various media outlets such as Sanlian Junior Magazine, Sanlian Life Weekly, NYT for Kids China, Animals Asia, Belgian Newspaper De Standard, and Magazine De Optimist, among others.

Lv Huiyang, a Philosophy graduate from Zhejiang University, joined UCCA in 2019. Currently, she is responsible for project planning for the children's book series 'UCCA Artists and Kids'.

about the series

The UCCA Artists and Kids series is curated by the UCCA Kids team and published by Everafter Books. These books have a clear objective: to introduce children to some of the most inspiring artists of our time in a fun and accessible manner. By harnessing the power of art, the series aims to help children to perceive and understand the world around them, including the dynamics of society and culture.
Through the stories of these remarkable artists, children will discover how people from diverse corners of the globe utilize the language of art to convey narratives and emotions. As a result, young readers will develop a deeper passion and courage for exploration, self-expression, and creativity. The series intends to kindle their curiosity and drive them towards a more profound appreciation of art and its profound impact on our lives. Matisse's Journey is the first book in the series.