Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her) 1894 - 1895

Paul Gauguin created this monotype, "Manao tupapau," which translates to "She Thinks of the Ghost" or "The Ghost Thinks of Her," using dark, shadowy inks on paper. The piece is a study for his famous painting of the same name. Gauguin, like many artists of his time, was deeply influenced by colonial narratives and sought inspiration in non-Western cultures, particularly in Tahiti. This work reflects his engagement with Tahitian spiritual beliefs and his own complex relationship with the island and its people. The central figure, a young Tahitian woman, is depicted with a mix of vulnerability and strength. The ghostly figure lurking in the background embodies the spirits and superstitions that Gauguin found so compelling in Tahitian culture. How do we reconcile Gauguin’s romanticism with the realities of colonialism? How can we see this artwork as a dialogue between cultures rather than a one-sided representation? The piece invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural exchange and the ways in which artists grapple with their own cultural biases and desires.