Tahiti Tourisme is thrilled to support the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The exhibition will be open to the public from June 29th to October 7th, 2024, embodying a rich collaboration between The Islands of Tahiti and the artworks of the late artist Paul Gauguin.
French artist Paul Gauguin first sailed to the stunning Islands of Tahiti in 1891 in search of inspiration. Along with the idyllic landscapes, he found a deep connection with the inviting spirit of the local Polynesians, drawing inspiration from the beautiful landscape and rich culture. He later relocated to the more remote Marquesas Islands in September 1901, where he purchased land and built a home. Paul Gauguin later died on May 8, 1903, and was buried on the island of Hiva Oa.
Hiva Oa, known as ‘The Garden of The Marquesas Islands,’ is the third-largest island in French Polynesia. The island offers a wide range of activities, including beautiful black sand beaches, hiking in mountains and valleys, visiting museums including the Centre Culturel Paul Gauguin, and exploring historical sites, including Calvaire cemetery, where Paul Gauguin is laid to rest.
Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao presents a unique opportunity to explore the enduring artistry of French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin. Featuring some of his most iconic masterpieces, many inspired by his time in the Pacific region, the exhibition provides new perspectives on Gauguin’s life and work, his artistic influences and networks, as well as his historical impact and contemporary legacies.
National Gallery of Australia’s curator Henri Loyrette’s 2023 visit to Tahiti paved the way for significant Tahitian Government support. This includes generous lending to the exhibition, contributions from Tahitian scholars to the catalogue and symposium, and the Vice President including her delegation will be representing her country at the official opening, with a 10-member dance troupe at the opening festivities. The most important outcome of the visit is the title of the exhibition, Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho Tōna Ao, which incorporates the Tahitian interpretation of how to understand the artist’s inner world.
This exhibition offers Australians a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the breathtaking Islands of Tahiti through Gauguin’s artworks, showcasing the French Polynesian culture, people, and destination.
Australians interested in visiting the exhibition can find more details and purchase tickets here.
