The artist’s quest for another life
Paul Gauguin’s work, born in Paris on June 7, 1848, stands at the crossroads of Impressionism and Symbolism. A stockbroker by profession until 1882, he gave up everything to devote himself to his true passion: painting. Initially close to Pissarro, Cézanne, and Monet, he actively took part in Impressionist exhibitions before forging his own path, in search of a more instinctive, more spiritual art.
After a tumultuous stay in Arles alongside Vincent Van Gogh, he set out on his first journey to Tahiti in 1891, drawn by what he called “uncorrupted civilizations,” which he himself described as primitive or savage. It was in French Polynesia that he would find the main source of inspiration for his work: vibrant colors, powerful symbolism, and Polynesian female figures. Gauguin painted in complete austerity, driven by a desire to break away from the Western world.
Despite a relatively positive critical reception in Paris, Gauguin felt misunderstood. In 1895, he returned to settle in Tahiti, and later, in 1901, moved to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, where he spent his final years before passing away in 1903, worn out by illness and excess. It was in these remote islands that he left behind one of the most influential artistic legacies of the modern era.
Exploring Tahiti and its islands in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin means following an artist in search of the absolute, a lost paradise, and a Polynesian land whose beauty continues to captivate. With Tahiti Tourist Guide, discover the places that inspired his genius and enjoy a unique cultural experience, blending art, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Polynesia’s Profound Impact on His Art
The light of Tahiti, its pristine beaches, lush mountains, and Ma’ohi spirituality inspired some of Gauguin’s most iconic works, marked by vivid colors and stylized forms. Among his most famous paintings created on the island are:
Manao tupapau (The Spirit of the Dead Keeps Watch) – 1892
Fatata te Miti (By the Sea) – 1892
Arearea (Joy of Life) – 1892
Gauguin did not paint a documentary-style Polynesia; he created a myth—a poetic and subjective vision of a world he both idealized and reinvented.
🎨 3 Major Works by Gauguin in Tahiti
Source: Wikimedia Commons – Paul Gauguin artworks
🖼️ “Arearea” (Joy of Life) – 1892
One of the most iconic paintings from his stay in Tahiti. Arearea reflects the search for a simple and spiritual happiness through scenes of Polynesian life, bathed in warm colors and mystical symbolism. The red dog, the seated women, the flute—every element is encoded to express a balance between nature, culture, and dream.
🖼️ Fatata te Miti (By the Sea) – 1892
A serene and evocative painting, Fatata te Miti portrays two Polynesian women near the water, immersed in the peaceful beauty of the Tahitian landscape. The vivid colors and soft brushstrokes convey a sense of harmony between the figures and the natural world around them, capturing the essence of the island’s tranquility.
🖼️ Parau Api (The News)
In Parau Api, Gauguin depicts a scene of women sitting together, engaged in conversation, exchanging news in a moment of daily life. The vibrant use of color and bold lines captures the emotional depth of the moment, reflecting the artist’s unique perspective on the Polynesian culture and its intimate, communal life.
Following in the Footsteps of Gauguin in Tahiti Today
For art and culture enthusiasts, visiting Tahiti means walking in the footsteps of Gauguin:
🎨 The Paul Gauguin Museum (in Papeari – closed but visible from the outside)
🌴 Mataiea, the village where he lived, with its still-preserved landscapes
🏛️ Museum of Tahiti and the Islands (Te Fare Iamanaha), which houses some reproductions and works inspired by that era
🖼️ Regular exhibitions on Gauguin’s legacy in the art galleries of Papeete
Following in Gauguin’s Footsteps: Places to Discover in French Polynesia:
📍 The Paul Gauguin Museum – Papeari, Tahiti (closed since 2013 but still a site of memory)
Located in a lush setting in Papeari, on the southwest coast of Tahiti, this museum was once dedicated to the life and works of the painter. Although closed to the public, the site remains symbolic: it is here that Gauguin is believed to have lived in a traditional Polynesian house by the sea. The nearby botanical garden, still accessible, is a peaceful haven that is a must-visit.
🏝️ Hiva Oa – Marquesas Islands: Gauguin’s Final Refuge
It is on the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas, that Paul Gauguin spent his final years. His house, named “La Maison du Jouir” (The House of Joy), was built in Atuona, and although it no longer exists, a reconstruction is on display next to the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center.
The Calvaire Cemetery, perched on the heights, offers a breathtaking view of the bay. Here, you will find Gauguin’s grave, alongside that of the singer Jacques Brel, another lover of the Marquesas Islands.
🖼️ The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands – Punaauia, Tahiti
Recently renovated, this museum showcases works and objects that illustrate the rich cultural heritage of Polynesia. While Gauguin is not the main focus, his vision of “primitivism” resonates with the traditional Polynesian arts on display.
Why does this legacy still fascinate?
The relationship between Gauguin and Polynesia is ambivalent: admiration, appropriation, poetry, exoticism… However, his stay deeply impacted the history of Tahiti, and his name attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Cultural tourists come to discover the soul of the artist, while lovers of tropical landscapes find in the Polynesian scenery the wild beauty that inspired his paintings.
🤝 Discover Tahiti Differently with Local Guides
To relive Gauguin’s universe authentically, nothing beats the passionate explanations of the local guides listed on Tahiti Tourist Guide. Thanks to them, you can:
- Explore iconic sites related to his life,
- Follow cultural and artistic tours through the islands,
- Meet local artists who continue his legacy.
With Tahiti Tourist Guide, embark on an immersive journey into the heart of art, history, and Polynesian traditions.
