Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her) Possibly 1894 - 1928

Paul Gauguin created "Manao tupapau" at an unknown date. This woodcut on paper at the Art Institute of Chicago presents a visually striking composition of darkness and shadow. The rough texture and stark contrast evoke a feeling of unease. The woman in the foreground is rendered in dark lines. Her face is turned away in apparent distress. The ghost in the background is defined by a distorted face and haunting presence. The diagonal staircase draws the eye upwards, adding a sense of depth and unease to the scene. Gauguin's choice of the woodcut medium and use of formal elements reinforces the artwork's meaning. The jagged lines and textured surfaces add to the sense of anxiety. The stark black and white emphasize the contrast between the physical world and the spiritual realm. Gauguin uses form to express themes of fear, alienation, and the supernatural beliefs of Polynesian culture. The power of this work lies in its ability to engage with the viewer's own anxieties and fears. The raw, expressive quality of the woodcut ensures it will be continually reinterpreted.