GAUGUIN’S WORLD: TŌNA IHO, TŌNA AO

Gauguin's World

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

Through painting, drawing, engraving, sculpture and the decorative arts, curator and former director of the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay, Henri Loyrette, traces the trajectory of the artist’s distinctive works, from his impressionist beginnings to Polynesian visions. The exhibition will reveal 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.

A fully illustrated publication will also be published alongside the exhibition. Edited by exhibition curator Henri Loyrette and featuring his major new essay on Gauguin, the publication will include contributions from Gauguin experts Nicholas Thomas, Vaiana Giraud and Norma Broude.

The exhibition has been organised by the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Art Exhibitions Australia.

Gauguin's World

Gauguin's World has been made possible through the continued support and generosity of Principal Sponsor Mazda Australia, Principal Donor Singapore Airlines, Strategic Partner VisitCanberra, Media Partners News Corp and Seven West Media, and the Government of French Polynesia and Minister for Tourism.

The exhibition Gauguin's World: Tona lho, Tona Ao is supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance (AGIEl) Program.

We acknowledge our Exhibition Patrons Philip Bacon AO, Kay Bryan, Christine Campbell and Terry Campbell AO, Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM, Penelope Seidler AM, Lyn Williams AM, Maurice Cashmere, Robert Meller and Helena Clarke.

‘Colour! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.’ PAUL GAUGUIN

GAUGUIN’S WORLD: TŌNA IHO, TŌNA AO Major Exhibition

29 Jun – 7 Oct 2024
10am – 5pm

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600
Level 1, Gallery 12