Collection: Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao

National Gallery of Australia

June 29 – October 7, 2024

Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the enduring art of French post-impressionist Paul Gauguin (1848–1903). Featuring many of his most recognised masterpieces, some of which were created in the Pacific region, the exhibition offers new perspectives on Gauguin’s life and work, his artistic influences and networks, as well as his historical impact and contemporary legacies.

Through a display of the artist's distinctive painting, drawing, engraving, sculpture and decorative arts, curator and former director of the Musée du Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, Henri Loyrette, traces Gauguin's trajectory, from his impressionist beginnings to his final Polynesian visions. The exhibition reveals that Gauguin belonged to the art and themes of his time and how contemporary perspectives can enable new readings of his work.

Like other contemporary and historic artists, Gauguin’s life and art have increasingly and appropriately been debated here and around the world. In today’s context, Gauguin’s interactions in Polynesia in the later part of the 19th Century would not be accepted and are recognised as such. The National Gallery will explore Gauguin’s life, art and controversial legacy through talks, public programs, a podcast series and films. Also presented during the exhibition season will be a display of collection works by contemporary artists from the Pacific and further afield.