Paul Gauguin’s What’s New? (1896) stands as a pivotal work in the Post-Impressionist movement. This painting encapsulates Gauguin’s quest for emotional depth and cultural authenticity, diverging from the naturalism of his predecessors. The artwork invites viewers to explore the complexities of human experience through its vibrant colors and symbolic content.
Gauguin’s journey as an artist was marked by a profound search for meaning beyond the confines of European society. After abandoning his career as a stockbroker, he traveled to Tahiti in 1891, seeking inspiration from the island’s rich culture and landscapes. His experiences in Tahiti profoundly influenced his artistic style, leading to the creation of works that reflect both personal and cultural narratives.
The color palette of What’s New? is striking, featuring bold, saturated hues that evoke a sense of emotional intensity. Gauguin employed colors not merely to represent reality but to express feelings and ideas. The use of complementary colors enhances the painting’s vibrancy, creating a dynamic visual experience.
The composition of What’s New? is carefully orchestrated, with figures arranged in a way that draws the viewer’s eye across the canvas. The central figure, a woman, dominates the scene, while other figures recede into the background, creating a sense of depth.
Gauguin’s use of foreground and background establishes a layered perspective. The foreground features the woman in a striking pose, while the background, filled with lush vegetation, suggests a rich, tropical environment. This contrast emphasizes the isolation of the central figure.
Symbolism plays a crucial role in What’s New?. The painting reflects Gauguin’s fascination with indigenous culture and his personal struggles. The title itself poses a question, inviting viewers to consider the changes in life and culture that Gauguin observed during his time in Tahiti.
During his time in Tahiti, Gauguin encountered a culture vastly different from his own. This cultural exchange inspired him to incorporate indigenous themes and motifs into his work. He sought to capture the essence of Tahitian life, often idealizing it as a paradise untouched by Western civilization.
Gauguin was deeply influenced by indigenous art, which he admired for its bold colors and simplified forms. This influence is evident in the stylized figures and decorative patterns found in What’s New?. He aimed to break away from traditional European artistic conventions, embracing a more primitive aesthetic.
Gauguin’s work can be compared to that of his contemporaries, such as Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. While van Gogh focused on emotional expression through color, Gauguin sought to convey deeper cultural narratives. Matisse, on the other hand, would later draw inspiration from Gauguin’s use of color and form, showcasing the interconnectedness of their artistic journeys.
What’s New? is executed in oil on canvas, a medium that allows for rich texture and depth. Gauguin’s mastery of this technique is evident in the way he layered paint to create a sense of volume and movement.
Gauguin’s brushwork is distinctive, characterized by bold strokes and a tactile quality. He often applied paint thickly, creating a textured surface that invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a sensory level.
The dimensions of What’s New? are approximately 90 x 73 cm (35.4 x 28.7 in), giving the painting a substantial presence. This scale allows for an immersive experience, drawing viewers into the vibrant world Gauguin created.
Women play a central role in Gauguin’s oeuvre, often depicted as symbols of fertility and nature. In What’s New?, the female figure embodies both strength and vulnerability, reflecting Gauguin’s complex views on gender and sexuality.
The relationship between nature and humanity is a recurring theme in Gauguin’s work. In this painting, the lush Tahitian landscape serves as a backdrop for human emotion, suggesting a deep connection between the two.
Gauguin often grappled with feelings of isolation, both personally and artistically. What’s New? reflects this tension, as the central figure appears both connected to and distanced from the surrounding community, mirroring Gauguin’s own struggles with belonging.
Upon its completion, What’s New? received mixed reviews. Some critics praised its bold colors and innovative composition, while others dismissed it as overly simplistic. This dichotomy reflects the broader tensions within the art world at the time.
Gauguin’s work, including What’s New?, has had a lasting impact on modern art. His exploration of color, form, and cultural themes paved the way for future movements, such as Fauvism and Expressionism.
Today, What’s New? is celebrated as a significant contribution to the art historical canon. It is frequently analyzed in discussions of Post-Impressionism and the evolution of modern art, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discourse.
Paul Gauguin’s What’s New? continues to resonate with audiences and artists alike. Its innovative approach to color and form challenges viewers to reconsider the boundaries of artistic expression.
As society grapples with issues of identity, culture, and emotion, What’s New? remains a poignant reminder of the power of art to reflect and shape human experience. Gauguin’s legacy endures, inviting ongoing exploration and interpretation.
Louie Drehmer, Curator, ArtWiki
Louie curates ArtWiki, cross-referencing every entry against museum records, Wikidata, the Getty Union List of Artist Names, and Wikipedia.
Still life with mangoes by Paul Gauguin, an oil painting with botanicals themes.
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