Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao

Paul Gauguin, Femmes de Tahiti 1891, oil on canvas, 69.0 x 91.5, Don Countess Vitali, 1923. © Musée d’Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt

Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao offers a rare opportunity to experience the enduring art of French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin. Featuring some of his most recognised masterpieces, many of which were created in the Pacific region, the exhibition offers new perspectives on Gauguin’s life and work, his artistic influences and networks, as well as his historical impact and contemporary legacies.

Through painting, drawing, engraving, sculpture and the decorative arts, curator and former director of the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay, Henri Loyrette, traces the trajectory of the artist’s distinctive works, from his impressionist beginnings to Polynesian visions. The exhibition will reveal that Gauguin belonged to the art and themes of his time and how contemporary perspectives can enable new readings of his work.

Like other contemporary and historic artists, Gauguin’s life and art have increasingly and appropriately been debated here and around the world. In today’s context, Gauguin’s interactions in Polynesia in the later part of the 19th Century would not be accepted and are recognised as such. The National Gallery will explore Gauguin’s life, art and controversial legacy through talks, public programs, a podcast series and films. Also presented during the exhibition season will be a display of collection works by contemporary artists from the Pacific and further afield.