Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a pioneering French Post-Impressionist artist whose innovative use of color and synthetist style profoundly influenced modern art. Born in Paris, Gauguin spent part of his childhood in Peru, which ignited his interest in exotic locales. Initially pursuing a career as a stockbroker, he took up painting as a hobby and gradually immersed himself in the Parisian art world. By the mid-1880s, Gauguin abandoned his conventional life to focus entirely on art. He befriended and worked alongside renowned artists like Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh, with whom he had a tempestuous relationship that culminated in the infamous incident of Van Gogh severing his own ear.

In search of artistic freedom and unspoiled culture, Gauguin traveled extensively, settling in Tahiti in 1891. His time in Tahiti was creatively fertile; he produced vibrant works capturing the island’s native culture, combining elements of symbolism with bold, often non-naturalistic colors. Despite facing financial hardships and health issues, Gauguin's later years were marked by prolific output and significant experimentation. His masterworks, such as "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" challenged contemporary artistic conventions and left an enduring legacy, positioning him as a seminal figure in the trajectory of modern art.