“Gauguin – Unexpected” » Leadersnet

Using gorgeous illustrations, the book takes you on a journey through the influential artist's life and artistic development Paul Gauguin. It documents his beginnings as a Post-Impressionist through to his later pioneering role as one of the fathers of Modernism and highlights the different aspects of his work – from painting to graphics to sculpture.

The publication paints a comprehensive picture of Gauguin's complex and multi-layered art, but also of his personality. In addition to magnificent works from world-class museums and important private collections, it contains articles on Gauguin's remarkable biography. The publication also addresses problematic aspects of his life and work, placing his work in the context of postcolonial discourses and current debates about sexism and abuse, thus creating a differentiated vision of one of the most important artists of the nineteenth century.

Paul Gauguin, Haysheaves in Brittany, 1890 © National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of the W. Avril Harriman in memory of Mary N. Harriman

Born in Paris in the 1840s, Gauguin initially worked in banking before turning to art. Driven by a longing for a comfortable, authentic existence, Gauguin leaves his traditional life in France and embarks on a spiritual and artistic journey in French Polynesia. “I will go there, withdraw completely from the so-called civilized world and communicate only with the so-called ‘savages’.” He settled on the island of Tahiti in the South Sea. Fascinated by the intense and exciting colours, he first begins to paint the island's landscapes. He later focused on photographing local farmers and girls in a variety of activities. He idealizes them, painting them authentically and free from the constraints of Western civilization, with vivid color combinations.

However, Gauguin had long ago realized that he could not find the safety of simple rural life in the South Seas either, because industrialization was taking hold here as well. During his first stay in Tahiti between 1891 and 1893, some of Gauguin's most famous works were created, which can be understood as an attempt to reflect indigenous life and culture in all its diversity. What they all have in common is exceptional color and linear density as well as a reduction to the essentials that remains impressive today.

Seeking greater recognition in the French art world, Gauguin initially returned to France after his first stay in Tahiti. Then he travels again to French Polynesia. His artistic career was marked by adversity and financial success was not achieved.

Gauguin leaves behind a work that is as impressive as it is artistically wide-ranging. His approach contributed significantly to the understanding of the image not only as a reflection of reality, but also as an expression of inner feelings and thoughts, and had a decisive influence on twentieth-century art.

Paul Gauguin, Bathing Tahitian Women, 1892 ©bpk | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

The exhibition can be viewed from October 3, 2024 to January 19, 2025 at Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna. More information about www.kunstforumwien.at

The “Gauguin – Unknown” catalog is available in well-stocked bookstores as well as in the Bank Austria Kunstforum Vienna store and online. www.kunstforumwien.at available.