A tropical paradise with numerous characters, all in different positions. This work by Gauguin set in Tahiti tells us of a story that seems distant. But it's actually not that far off. In fact, he is telling us about us, about our lives and about those questions that we asked ourselves at least once, even if only by chance. Today we discover Gauguin's masterpiece entitled “Where do we come from? Who we are? Where do we go?" of 1897.
The bodies in this work as in others of the same genre are solid and sensual and the colors are very intense and bright. In part they are inspired by these distant places and in part they are imaginary. Like other Gauguin paintings, this one also tells a story. In this case the cycle of life. And you can already guess it from the title composed of some of the most important existential questions of all time: Where do we come from? Who we are? Where do we go?
The work can be read from right to left and the figures each represent a different stage of life. The cycle begins in the lower right with a sleeping child and ends on the left with an elderly woman accompanied by a bird.
This is also one of the most significant works also and above all for the use of color. The colors here can be defined saturated, which is a term that is used both in art and in photography to define a pure color tone therefore without excessive use of either white or black inside. Furthermore, the figures are defined by dark and linear outlines and thus create an almost flat and abstract overall composition. A composition that is very influenced by Japanese painting, as for other artists of the period for example Van Gogh.
The contrast and combination of colors in this as in other works by Gauguin is not at all casual. The artist uses close greens and blues for nature in contrast with the golden yellow of the bodies. In fact, color not only had a sensual and decorative function, but was also used to suggest and express emotions.
Gauguin considers this painting which is rich in symbolism and mythological references, the culmination of his work. It demonstrates the radical use of color and form that made it so influential, easing the way for expressionists and abstract art.
The child on the right represents the starting point of the representation, the first stage of the life cycle. And always on the right in the background, Gauguin represents with a contrast of blue and green with yellow, the landscape of Tahiti. A natural landscape made of branches and trees with curved shapes. A landscape that gives a sense of serenity and harmony to the whole composition.
At the center of the work, two figures are exalted. One of these is a woman seated from behind who seems to be putting her hand in her hair as she listens intently. And in the almost exact center of the work, a young man stands up to pick fruit and fills the entire composition in height. She could be a symbol within the life cycle of the pleasures of youth.
At the bottom left of her sitting and very thoughtful there is a girl holding one of her fruits in her hand. She is eating a mango and is surrounded by two white cats. She is probably the protagonist of the second part of the work which is identified with the second question under the title "Who are we?"
The presence of Tahitian sculptures and deities in Gauguin's works from this period is widespread. The divinity represented in this case, however, is different and present only in another work by Gauguin on the Day of God of 1894. It is the divinity of the otherworldly world which was therefore carved and painted blue.
Sitting on the far left of the work to conclude the cycle is an elderly woman with darker skin. Near her a beautiful and sensual young woman. The elderly woman is squatting almost as if she were leaving the opera. She is perhaps waiting for the end of her life. And next to her a white bird symbolizes that moment that is unknown to all of us in the passage from life to death.
Finally, the last detail is found at the top left. The title of the work Where do we come from? Who we are? Where do we go? in fact, it came to us thanks to the inscription in the painting. Top left in French we can read these three questions written by Gauguin.
00:00 Intro
00:34 Theme
02:03 Color
03:17 Details
06:54 Gauguin
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Clelia
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21 июл 2024