Noa noa (Fragrant) 1894 - 1895

"Noa noa (Fragrant)" is a woodcut by Paul Gauguin, created between 1894 and 1895. It depicts a Tahitian scene, with figures and foliage rendered in stark black and yellow. The woodcut style, characterized by bold lines and simplified forms, reflects Gauguin's fascination with the art and culture of Polynesia. "Noa noa" is a Tahitian phrase meaning "fragrance" and captures the artist's exploration of the exotic and sensual aspects of Tahitian life. Now at the Art Institute of Chicago, this work exemplifies Gauguin's signature style, a key contribution to the development of Post-Impressionism.