Ta matete 1892

"Ta Matete," or "In the Market," was painted by Paul Gauguin using oil on canvas, during his time in Tahiti. Gauguin employs flat, bold colors, and simplified forms, moving away from traditional European painting techniques. There’s a raw quality to the application of paint. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the figures are outlined with dark contours, which give the scene a sense of flatness and evoke the aesthetics of printmaking. This stylistic choice was inspired by Japanese prints and other non-Western art forms. The work depicts Tahitian women seated, likely in a marketplace. The texture is relatively smooth, with visible brushstrokes that add depth. Gauguin’s approach emphasizes surface and pattern over realistic representation, blurring the lines between fine art and decorative arts. This approach suggests the lack of value put on women and their labor at the time. Ultimately, Gauguin’s use of materials and techniques reflects his desire to move beyond the conventions of Western art and embrace the aesthetics of other cultures.