Paul Gauguin

The French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a bold experimenter, and his innovative and unique style led to the Synthetist style of modern art, as well as to Primitivism.

Influenced by the folk art of Africa and Asia as well as by Japanese block prints, Paul Gauguin began employing a cloisonne technique in which an image was simply pure color separated by heavy outlines, with little regard to classical perspective or color gradations.

Paul Gauguin's use of this technique evolved into the Synthetist style in which both form and color have roles. In addition, Paul Gauguin was the first artist to use the effects of Primitivism, which was characterized by geometric designs, vividly contrasting colors, and exaggerated body proportions. This movement was influenced by the raw mystical powers of the arts and culture from Africa and Polynesia.

Paul Gauguin had an enormous influence on other artists in the 20th century including Matisse and Picasso, and also helped to bring about the Cubism movement.