The Fragrant Gauguin
Noa Noa:
The Tahitian Journal of
Paul Gauguin
It is believed that Paul Gauguin discovered himself in Tahiti. That statement is actually a misconception. Gauguin had become disillusioned with European life especially that which rejected his leadership and tenancity within the modern art movement. In 1891 he organized an auction of his paintings. Edgar Degas was one of the buyers. The funds enabled him to travel to Tahiti. While there he kept a journal, Noa Noa, that was, with difficulty, published.
Noa Noa was considered too racy for the turn of the 20th century publishers, especially the nude wood panels Gauguin had etched to form part of the tale of his experiences. The journal has been translated and republished including the etchings.
Gauguin's journal opens with the death of the King of Tahiti and the profound impact it has on the people
and surroundings. King Pomare V died on June 12 1891. Pomare was the last King of Tahiti. He had been forced to abdicate, in 1880 and gave Tahiti and all of its territories and possessions to France. For his willingness to accept his fate the former King was pensioned and received an honorary title in return. He was twice married and both marriages ended in divorce. The artist sees the outpouring of grief for the King and notes it in his journal.
During his first trip to Tahiti Gauguin began his autobiographical work Noa Noa; the phrase translates
to Fragrant, Fragrant, something the artist noted about his beautiful surroundings, referring to it within his memoirs.
The artist returned to Paris and then made a brief sojourn to Copenhagen before returning to Tahiti in 1894. Some of
his most profound works were completed in the tropical paradise, it was an inspiration to him.
This version of Noa Noa is the one that Gauguin intended to publish all along. It includes his illustrations
for the diary. More importantly it provides insight into Gauguin the man; his views, inspirations, feelings and activities.
|
