Viewing the wonderful cut-outs of Henri Matisse with delightful Czech mates
We have had a very busy, but very enjoyable, Easter hosting a visit by two Czech friends to our home in London. We have known Kaca. the daughter of our dear, deceased friend Pavel [my tribute to him here], since she was three, whereas we have only met Lenka, married to one of Kaca’s cousins, once before.
They are both 29, both really attractive, both so humorous, both very bright (Kaca is an economist and Lenka is a doctor), so it was an absolute delight to spend time with them. They were with us for five nights and four full days and I went out with them on three of the days to act as a tourist guide.
We saw so many tourist sights and ate some delicious food, while they tried out no fewer than four London pubs. For me, a highlight was when I accompanied them to the Tate Modern art gallery to view the exhibition of cut-outs by Henri Matisse (the exhibition only opened the day after they arrived and runs to 7 September).
Usually at art exhibitions, I like some of the work but am not so keen on other pieces, but I loved everything at this fabulous exhibition. The bright colours and vibrant designs are so exuberant that savouring them is a joy. If I had to choose a favourite work from the 130 on display, it would probably be the one titled “The Bees”.
Lenka and Kaca at Tate Modern.