Gauguin and Polynesia

Nicholas Thomas in conversation with Ghazaleh Zogheib

French artist Paul Gauguin first set foot in Polynesia in 1891. His paintings – and his sexual behaviour – during his time on the islands have long been seen as exploitative. Viewed from the perspective of modern-day Oceania, anthropologist, writer and museum director Nicholas Thomas’ new book is revelatory. In conversation with curator and researcher Ghazaleh Zogheib, he discusses the place of Gauguin’s eclectic art in documenting Polynesia’s colonial modernity, the dignity of its people and the overlapping of complex cultural worlds.