Gauguin the Alchemist, Grand Palais, Paris: 11 October 2017 - 22 January 2018

In 1889, Gauguin noted: “Take a little mud and one can create metal and gemstones; with a little mud and a little genius! Doesn’t this make it a fascinating substance?”

The reference “alchemist” reflects to Gauguin’s ability to transform materials and to see things in them, them that are not immediately obvious to others.

One of the major 19th century French artists and an important forefather of Modernism, Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) believed in the idea that painting was above all, an expression of one’s inner character, an idea which had a already been  adopted in the 16th century by  Leonardo da Vinci. Traditionally, it is the painting of Gauguin for which he is most heralded, with its dreamlike hues of colour inspired by his time in Brittany and French Polynesia?  And while he  wrote that painting was the “most beautiful of the arts”, Gauguin l’alchimiste shows  the artist’s experimentation in other disciplines and his ability to transcend their conventional limits.

Recent research focusing  on the techniques and materials used by Gauguin, have been used in the exhibition to  highlight the diversity of his works, from his paintings, drawings and engravings, to his sculptures, ceramics and writing. During your visit, make sure you stop off in special rooms with projectors to immerse yourself in the creative process of the artist. This shows  how Gauguin borrowed aspects from each discipline to create a distinctly unique style.

The reference to alchemy emphasises Gauguin’s interest in the symbolism, mysticism and occultism of fin de siècle 19th century France. This departure from reality and the blurring of the distinction between the real and the imaginary becomes increasingly clear  as you make your way round Gauguin’s works. Highlights include a room dedicated to a manuscript of Noa Noa, Gauguin’s travel journal of his first visit to Tahiti (1891-1893) and rarely on show to the  public.

Grand Palais, Galeries nationales

3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris

Enter through the Entrée Champs Elysées

Opening Times

Wednesday-Monday, 10.00-20.00

Late Opening

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10.00-22.00

Early Closure

11, 12, 20 October 2017 and 24, 31 December 2017, 10.00-18.00

Closed on 25 December 2017

Holiday Hours

21 October 2017 – 5 November 2017, Wednesday-Monday, 10.00-22.00 (except 5 November, 10.00-20.00)

23 December 2017 – 7 January 2018, Every day, 09.00-22.00 (except 7 January, 09.00-20.00)

Accessibility

One room in the exhibition is not accessible for wheelchair users requiring 11 steps.