Conversations with Sotheby's: Gauguin

Goan's Artistic Journey and Themes

Overview of the Exhibition

• The exhibition at Tate Modern presents a new perspective on Goan, focusing on thematic connections rather than a strict chronological order.

• It highlights significant phases in Goan's career, from his beginnings as a stockbroker to his final years as a rebel against Western civilization in Tahiti.

Goan's Transformation and Masterpieces

• By 1891, Goan was already an accomplished artist with masterpieces like "The Vision of the Sermon" and "The Yellow Christ" featured in the exhibition.

• The exhibition emphasizes both Christian themes and sacred motifs from Tahiti, showcasing Goan’s ongoing interest in world religions.

Self-Portraits and Personal Mythology

• Goan often used himself as subject matter; he painted numerous self-portraits and even depicted himself as Jesus Christ, indicating his complex identity.

• His self-mythologizing nature raises questions about authenticity; he projected various personas through his art and writings.

Complexity of Goan's Character

• The discussion reveals that engaging with Goan might be perplexing due to his contradictory self-representations—ranging from primitive to saintly figures.

• He embodies extremes: mischievous yet satirical, self-deprecating yet arrogant, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his artistry.

Range of Artistic Works

• The exhibition includes not only paintings but also sculptures and carvings that illustrate the breadth of Goan’s artistic endeavors.

• Notable items include carved clogs, canes, prints, and an artist book titled "Kai por Alene," created for his daughter who never received it.

Inscription Significance in Art

Word and Image Connection

• Inscribing words into paintings creates a powerful interplay between text and image, enhancing the viewer's experience by evoking poetry within visual art.

Cultural Commentary

• Inscriptions reflect themes such as cultural loss; they suggest a disappearing culture which is central to understanding Goan’s work.

Goan's Personal Struggles

Cost of Artistic Pursuit

• Choosing to become a full-time artist came at great personal cost for Goan—leading to poverty, isolation, and feelings of misunderstanding throughout his life.

The Experience of Curating an Exhibition

Insights on the Exhibition and Its Impact

• The curator reflects on their experience, describing themselves as a "Christ figure" and an "abandoned artist," indicating a deep personal connection to the exhibition.

• The curator considers this exhibition as potentially the highlight of their career, emphasizing its significance in their professional journey.

• During the installation process, there were moments of disbelief for the curator, feeling privileged to handle such fantastic works emerging from crates.

• The curator expresses that it is a real privilege to be involved in this memorable exhibition, highlighting its importance both personally and professionally.

• Gratitude is expressed towards those who contributed to the exhibition's realization, underscoring a collaborative effort behind its success.