The Universe Is Created 1893 - 1894

This woodcut by Paul Gauguin, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum, presents us with a vision of creation steeped in Tahitian symbolism. Look closely, and you’ll see primitive figures and totemic animals emerge from the darkness. These aren’t mere representations; they are carriers of deep cultural memory. For instance, the crouching figures evoke ancient postures of reverence and introspection, reminiscent of poses found in various indigenous art forms worldwide. Gestures passed down through generations, each carrying echoes of ancestral wisdom. Consider the act of creation itself, often depicted as a chaotic yet generative force. Here, Gauguin taps into a primal narrative, echoing creation myths found across cultures. The blurred lines and mysterious figures remind us of the subconscious forces at play. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface, bearing witness to the endless dance between tradition and innovation.