Mahana no atua [Day of the God]
Oil on canvas • Post-Impressionism • 68 x 92 cm • 1894 • Art Institute of Chicago
The painting depicts a central carved idol of the goddess Hina standing on a rock by the beach around which human figures are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. On the left two women are bearing votive offerings and on the right two others are dancing the upaupa, an erotic Tahitian dance which the colonial authorities tried to ban. In the foreground is an enigmatic group of three bathers, whose poses suggest they represent birth, life and death, but about which Gauguin never spoke. [source: Wikipedia]
Marina Kanavaki 
http://www.worldcreativities.com
You prompted me to look up the history of Tahiti. I knew about the French colonization but didn’t realize the British had been involved there before the French finally took control.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahiti
They had indeed! Thank you for the link.
popped over to see your wonderful tribute – a striking self-portrait here but Gauguin seems to be painting in a coat – must be in the cold garret we associate with painters!
A ha ha…. you’re right!!! 😉
Thank you, my dear Laura.
I did enjoy thank you Marina.. ❤
Thank YOU, my kind friend.
🥰😘🤗❤
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❤🤗❤
Nice
Thank you! 🙏
I LOVE your artist reviews. Paul Gauguin continues to evoke controversy, doesn’t he, Marina? Some believe him to be extraordinary. Indeed, his post-Impressionism was trailblazing. Others believe quite the opposite, based on his lifestyle and colonialist overtones. The art of Paul Gauguin challenges us to look deeply into the artistic spirit. Thank you so much for these posts – so very well done. Sending hugs.
Oh, I agree with you, Rebecca, about Gauguin. I just focus on his amazing talent and its expression.
Thank you so much. Coming from someone who does exquisit presentations of art pieces, it’s a great compliment. Many hugs your way!
Marina – I enjoy our conversations. I agree wholeheartedly. There comes a time when you must look at the artwork for itself, separate from the artist. Understanding creativity is complex – art demands our full attention. Many hugs coming back your back with all speed.
Oh, so do I, my dearest friend.
Many more hugs! 🤗❤🌷
I’m enchanted by Gauguin’s art and life. Thank you for sharing this beautiful painting!
🎨❤️
So am I, Holly… So glad you enjoyed this journey, dahling.
❤️🌷
Very much, it’s always a lovely trip at Anmar. 🤗❤️
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Another painter I love. Great choices on the paintings.
Not easy to pick! 😉 Thank you, my friend. Needless to say, likewise!
👌👌👌🖌️🎨🖼️🌹 Have You a beautiful day dear Marina ☀️🌻🌍
Ah, merci, my dear 🐉 friend!
You too!!!! 🙏🌟🐉🌟🙏
Wonderful! I know him by name but not by his art. I shall have to go look at your tribute more closely…
I’m sure you’ll recognize many of his paintings or his style! 😉 xoxoxoxo
Surely – mind you, I am not very knowledgeable about art. xoxo
I wonder whether anyone can say they truly are! 😉 xoxoxoxoxo
Well… I am sure some are more than others!
xoxoxo
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Hooray … I know this artist! 😉 Such an interesting painting for me because the scene seems so real – but the water is abstract. I like it!
Yayyyyy…. I remember you do! I understand exactly what you mean! When a painter captures the very essence of his subject, it will feel real even if it’s abstract! 😉