Marc Chagall
June 7, 1887
Marc Chagall (born Moishe Shagal) was a prolific Russian painter. He was influenced by Cubism, Fauvism, Symbolism, although his work is categorized as abstract post-impressionist. In addition to painting, Chagall produced stain glass windows and designed sets and costumes for the ballet.
Chagall is appreciated for his color. In fact, Pablo Picasso famously said, “When Matisse dies, Chagall will be the only painter left who understands what color really is.”
I’m not a big fan of Cubism, but I do love Chagall’s use of color in paintings such as The Magician. The dreamy, other-worldly feel of his paintings are strikingly different from my own, which are clearly grounded in this earth even if I take artistic liberties with my subject matter.
- I and the Village (c) Marc Chagall
Chagall exhibited his work extensively during his life. He lived to the ripe old age of 97.
“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works: if from the head, almost nothing.”
~ Marc Chagall