In 1891, rejection of European urban values led Gauguin to Tahiti, where he expected to find an unspoiled or even "primitive' culture. His works of that period are full of quasi-religious symbolism and an exoticized view of the inhabitants of Polynesia. In 1893, Gauguin wanted to justify his exotic trip and came back to Paris to organize an exhibition of his works. However, this exhibition did not receive the enthusiastic response he had hoped for. The artist remained widely unappreciated until after his death in 1903.


Te Tamari No Atua
oil on canvas • 94 x 129 cm