Perfect days 1896

"Perfect Days" was painted by Paul Gauguin, though the date remains unknown; it’s now housed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Gauguin’s time in French Polynesia was marked by his quest for an untouched paradise, but it's also viewed through the critical lens of colonialism. In this work, the Tahitian women are presented in an idealized, almost dreamlike state. The flattened perspective and non-naturalistic colors create a sense of a world apart, yet it’s a world seen through Gauguin's eyes. How does Gauguin negotiate his own identity as a European artist representing a culture not his own? The title itself suggests a utopian vision. However, we might consider the complexities of such a vision when it comes from an outsider. It invites questions about cultural representation, exoticism, and the power dynamics inherent in the gaze of the artist. As you reflect on this painting, consider the emotional and ethical questions it raises, both about Gauguin's personal journey and the broader history of colonialism.