Change of Residence 1899

This is Paul Gauguin's woodcut, "Change of Residence," now at the Portland Museum of Art. Its graphic boldness, achieved through stark contrasts and simplified forms, immediately captures your attention. The composition is divided into distinct zones, each contributing to the narrative flow. On the left, we observe three figures rendered with minimal detail, their bodies defined by strong, rhythmic lines. These shapes echo the rough, tactile quality inherent to the woodcut medium. This contrasts with the dynamic scene to the right, where a figure on horseback leads a procession towards the inscription of ‘Tahiti.’ Gauguin uses the print medium to flatten perspective and challenge traditional notions of depth. The effect destabilizes conventional modes of representation and evokes a dreamlike quality. This distortion of space, combined with the raw materiality of the woodcut, transforms the scene into a symbolic landscape. It invites us to reflect on themes of displacement, cultural encounter, and the artist’s own quest for authenticity. The graphic structure underscores the interplay between image and text, challenging us to continually reassess the visual and cultural codes within.