Artists throughout history have played an important role in shaping our perception of the world. One such artist who defied conventions and created new forms of artistic expression was Paul Gauguin. His vibrant and exotic works continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations. In this blog, we look at the life and art of Paul Gauguin, an extraordinary painter who sought to challenge the boundaries of traditional art.
MEET PAUL GAUGUIN
Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin was born on June 7, 1848, in Paris, France. Although he started his professional life as a stockbroker, his passion for art soon took over. Gauguin drew inspiration from various sources, including his Peruvian mother’s heritage.
Gauguin’s artistic journey began with Impressionism, the main art in France at the time. However, Gauguin’s hunger for innovation pushed him to search for a more profound and personal artistic language.
One of the defining periods of Gauguin’s life was his time in Tahiti. Seeking an escape from the everyday life in Western civilization, he escaped to the vibrant landscapes of the Pacific islands. Gauguin immersed himself in the Tahitian way of life. It was during his time in Tahiti that Gauguin produced some of his most iconic works, which are most known for their bold colors and Polynesian influence.
WHY PAUL GAUGUIN IS A GREAT ARTIST
Gauguin believed that art should convey profound ideas and emotions. Gauguin wanted his art to evoke a deep spiritual and emotional response from his viewers.
Although Gauguin faced financial hardships and limited recognition during his lifetime, his posthumous fame is immense. His unorthodox approach to art paved the way for future generations of artists, and his influence extended beyond the realm of painting. Gauguin’s embrace of cultural diversity and his desire to create meaningful, emotion-provoking, art resonates with artists and art-lovers worldwide.
FAMOUS PIECES OF PAUL GAUGUIN ART
Paul Gauguin created numerous remarkable works of art throughout his career. Here are some of his most famous and influential paintings:
“Haystacks in Brittany” (1904)
“Tahitian Women on the Beach” (1891)
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM PAUL GAUGUIN
Paul Gauguin’s life and work offer several valuable lessons and insights that continue to teach people and artists. Gauguin embraced the importance of individual expression, daring to break away from the “norm” of everyday life and expectations. He also taught us to embrace cultural diversity, and find the beauty in life that is outside of our everyday lives.
Gaugin, like most great artists, came from humble beginnings and experienced financial struggles and personal hardships. His resiliency and pursuit of his passion is something that everyone can admire.
Paul Gauguin’s life and art offer valuable lessons in individuality, cultural appreciation, artistic experimentation, symbolism, the balance between nature and spirituality, and resilience. By embracing these lessons, we can find inspiration and guidance in our own creative journeys and personal growth.
Laurie White
Founder of Great Artist Program
As a mom of seven, and educator for over three decades, Laurie White loves to bring visual art education to the home and classroom. She believes that everyone is an artist and everyone can learn how to draw. By studying, copying, and learning from the great artists of the past, we can develop the great artists of the future.
Sources:
“Haystacks in Brittany” : Art.com
“Tahitian Women on the Beach”: Wikipedia.com
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