Tahitian women under the palms 1892

Paul Gauguin painted "Tahitian Women under the Palms" using oil on canvas to capture a scene from his time in French Polynesia. The lush colors, flattened forms, and bold outlines are all hallmarks of Gauguin's Post-Impressionist style. But consider, too, the making of this work. He traveled to Tahiti specifically seeking an escape from European industrial society, yet he used industrially produced paints and canvas to depict what he imagined as a simpler, more authentic culture. There's a tension here, between the artist's romantic vision and the realities of colonialism and cultural appropriation. The work involves a complex and problematic relationship between the artist, the materials, and the subject matter. So, when looking at this painting, remember that the materials and processes used are not neutral; they carry with them a whole history of cultural exchange, labor, and artistic intention.