During late 1800s, painters were the social media marketers and travel editors of their day. Their canvases recorded the beauty of the world, both in and outside of Europe. Where they painted, people followed. At this time, France and other countries were expanding their colonies in the Far East, South America, and beyond. So it was no surprise when Paul Gauguin caught the travel bug and headed to the South Seas.
Landing in Tahiti, he fell in love with the strange new territory halfway across the world. A beautiful world filled with savages. Paul Gauguin brought the world of Oceania to Europe.
Knowing his work would startle and disturb, he wrote a book called Noa Noa. In it he gave an intimate view of Polynesian life, educating the reader about island culture while explaining the inspiration for his work. Gauguin settled into the island community, deeply identifying with the Polynesian people, and their plights and travails with the process of colonialization.
His revolutionary use of color and form, along with the exotic theme of his artwork, ushered in a new style of painting. Gauguin changed how artists like Picasso and Van Gogh viewed art, and with his unique subject matter he gave Europe a birds eye view into daily life in the South Seas.
Gauguin Centre, Hiva Oa...
Modern day Hiva Oa is a mostly a rural and farming community with tourism as its chief source of revenue. It is home to the Gauguin and Jaques Brel Centres.
the welcoming committee...