San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art’s exhibit “Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal” is closing September 27, 2026. I visited in July and was thrilled to be immersed in a world where an artistic revolution mattered to artists and nonartists alike. Modern art champions Gertrude and Leo Stein’s early 20th century sitting room was recreated, and the galleries were filled with art work influenced by Matisse’s “ugliest painting.” The exhibit chronicles an incredibly exciting pre-WWI cultural moment. It was a bracing, restorative visit even before I found the green wall.
“In 1905, Henri Matisse sent shockwaves through the art world with Femme au chapeau (Woman with a Hat), a portrait of his wife, Amélie, painted in bold color and loose brushstrokes that defied convention. This exhibition traces the painting’s controversial history and explores its lasting impact on modern art.”
Wandering around the galleries we discovered an enormous green wall on one of the terraces. Lush, robustly healthy, and filled with plants I wouldn’t think to associate with green walls. There was repetition of Salvia chiapensis, for example, abutilons. And mahonia!
“recycled plastic geotextile, soil, and water”
As I say the exhibit closes September 27, 2026, but Brenner’s green wall is a permanent installation. If you can go, it makes for a fine afternoon.
More soon, AGO
Yes, Matisse! But what is most amazing to me about this enormous green wall is that it looks so good ten years in. I have seen fairly good-sized green walls in the past and although they are exciting and gorgeous in their greenery, they often look a bit stressed or somehow less than effective. This one is marvelous! I adore the Calder stabiles in front of it too. He’s still one of my favorite artists.
Wow, that’s a fantastic installation! The photos with you and your granddaughter not only add needed scale, but they are adorable.