Melle. Rita Sablan-Diaz. Chamorro De Guam 1934

Here we see Paul Jacoulet's portrait, "Melle. Rita Sablan-Diaz. Chamorro De Guam." Jacoulet, a French artist who spent much of his life in Asia, created woodblock prints that reflect his fascination with the cultural diversity he encountered, but his perspective was undeniably shaped by his position as a Westerner. This image captures a young Chamorro woman, indigenous to Guam. Her traditional attire, with its delicate floral embroidery, speaks to cultural pride and identity. However, the Western artistic style through which Jacoulet portrays her raises questions about representation and the gaze. Is this a celebration of Chamorro beauty, or does it exoticize her? How does Jacoulet's outsider status affect the way we see Rita? The artist’s portrayal invites us to contemplate the complexities of cultural exchange and representation. It's a reminder that looking always involves power, perspective, and the ever-present negotiation between self and other.