Scribbles; Two Shapes [verso] 1884 - 1888

Paul Gauguin’s ‘Scribbles; Two Shapes’ reveals the artist's profound exploration of form and symbol in charcoal on paper. The two shapes, seemingly abstract, hint at deeper cultural meanings, evoking primal forms that echo across time. On the left, we see symbols reminiscent of ancient writing, perhaps alluding to lost languages and forgotten knowledge. The curves suggest a hidden narrative, an untold story embedded in the subconscious. On the right, the shapes bear a resemblance to figures or objects, stylized and simplified. We are reminded of the Cycladic art where simple shapes convey profound emotional weight. Gauguin, like other artists who delve into primal forms, taps into a collective memory. The simplification of form to its most essential elements mirrors the symbolic reduction found in various cultures and eras. The emotional impact of these shapes lies in their ability to evoke a sense of the primordial, resonating with deep, subconscious levels of understanding. This cyclical evolution highlights our enduring connection to ancient archetypes, constantly reappearing in new guises.