Biography of Paul Gauguin

Full Name and Common Aliases

Full Name: Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin
Common Aliases: Paul Gauguin

Birth and Death Dates

Born: June 7, 1848
Died: May 8, 1903

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nationality: French
Profession(s): Painter, Sculptor, Printmaker, Ceramist, Writer

Early Life and Background

Paul Gauguin was born in Paris, France, to Clovis Gauguin and Aline Chazal. His father was a liberal journalist, and his mother was of Peruvian descent, which introduced Gauguin to a blend of cultures from an early age. When he was just a year old, the family moved to Peru, where they lived for four years. This early exposure to South American culture and vibrant colors would later influence his artistic style.

After returning to France, Gauguin's father passed away, and his mother settled the family in Orléans. Gauguin was sent to a boarding school, and later, he joined the French merchant navy, which allowed him to travel extensively. These experiences broadened his worldview and sowed the seeds for his future artistic endeavors. Upon returning to France, he worked as a stockbroker, a career that provided financial stability but left him unfulfilled.

Major Accomplishments

Gauguin's transition from a stockbroker to a full-time artist marked a significant turning point in his life. He initially painted as a hobby, but his passion for art grew, leading him to abandon his career in finance. He became associated with the Impressionists, participating in their exhibitions and developing friendships with artists like Camille Pissarro and Edgar Degas.

Gauguin's major accomplishments include his pioneering role in the Symbolist movement and his influence on the Primitivism art style. He was known for his bold use of color and synthetist style, which emphasized flat planes and vivid hues. His work was a departure from the naturalism of Impressionism, focusing instead on the emotional and spiritual aspects of art.

Notable Works or Actions

Among Gauguin's most notable works are "Vision After the Sermon" (1888), "The Yellow Christ" (1889), and "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" (1897). These paintings are celebrated for their innovative use of color and form, as well as their exploration of complex themes such as spirituality and existentialism.

Gauguin's decision to leave Europe and settle in Tahiti in 1891 was a pivotal action that defined his later works. In Tahiti, he sought to escape European civilization and immerse himself in what he perceived as a more "primitive" and authentic way of life. This period produced some of his most famous works, characterized by their exotic subject matter and vibrant palette.

Impact and Legacy

Paul Gauguin's impact on the art world is profound. He is credited with influencing the development of modern art, particularly through his use of color and symbolic content. His work inspired future generations of artists, including the Fauves and the German Expressionists, who admired his bold approach to color and form.

Gauguin's legacy is also marked by his exploration of cultural themes and his challenge to Western artistic conventions. His time in Tahiti and his portrayal of its people and landscapes opened a dialogue about the representation of non-European cultures in art, albeit through a lens that has been critiqued for its colonialist undertones.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Paul Gauguin is widely quoted and remembered for his revolutionary approach to art and his philosophical musings on life and creativity. His quotes often reflect his quest for authenticity and his disdain for the constraints of conventional society. Gauguin's life and work continue to captivate audiences, not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their exploration of identity, culture, and the human condition.

His famous quote, "I shut my eyes in order to see," encapsulates his belief in the power of imagination and the inner vision of the artist. Gauguin's enduring influence and the timeless nature of his work ensure that he remains a significant figure in the history of art, inspiring both admiration and critical reflection.