Australia’s National Gallery acquires Gauguin’s first painting in the country
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) recently made headlines as the first public collection in the country to acquire a major painting by renowned artist Paul Gauguin. The painting, titled “The Blue Roof” or “Farm at Le Pouldu” (1890), was purchased for US$6.5 million from an international private collector. Prior to this acquisition, the painting was part of the collection of Wendy and Emery Reves, who resided in a palatial villa on the French Riviera. The artwork has been on display at the NGA as part of the exhibition “Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao”, curated by former Louvre director Henri Loyrette. The NGA announced the purchase of the painting in August and highlighted its significance as a key example from Gauguin’s Brittany period. The gallery plans to include the work in its permanent collection displays for future generations to appreciate. Additionally, a Gauguin symposium was organized by the NGA to coincide with the exhibition opening, featuring talks by Polynesian scholars addressing the artist’s legacy in French Polynesia. It was noted that contemporary Polynesian artists are exploring Gauguin’s influence in their work, signaling a burgeoning artistic scene in the Pacific region. Despite the lingering controversy surrounding Gauguin’s controversial relationships with local women, Tahitian scholars emphasized the need to broaden the discourse beyond colonialist narratives when discussing the artist’s impact on Polynesian culture.
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Leonie Schultz completed her studies in Digital Media and Design at the Berlin University of the Arts. She focuses on digital installations and interactive art, often incorporating elements of sound and light to create immersive experiences. Leonie has been involved in several digital art festivals and is known for her innovative approach to storytelling through technology.