Oviri 1894

This monotype titled "Oviri" was made by Paul Gauguin, likely around 1894, using a transfer drawing technique. Here, we observe Oviri, a Tahitian goddess of mourning and death, rendered with unsettling features. She stands rigid, holding a small animal, perhaps a symbol of sacrifice or rebirth, her gaze fixed and challenging. This figure reminds us of ancient fertility idols, such as the Cycladic figures or Mesopotamian deities. These figures, like Oviri, embody powerful forces—fertility, destruction, and renewal. Oviri's intense gaze and posture tap into deep, subconscious fears and fascinations. The image evokes a powerful emotional response, engaging viewers with the complex themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. It is a potent and enduring symbol that echoes through the ages.