Paul Gauguin
The
French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was
a bold experimenter, and his innovative and unique style led to the Synthetist
style of modern art, as well as to Primitivism.
Influenced by the folk art of Africa and Asia as well as by Japanese
block prints, Paul Gauguin began employing a cloisonne technique in which
an image was simply pure color separated by heavy outlines, with little
regard to classical perspective or color gradations.
Paul Gauguin's use of this technique evolved into the Synthetist style
in which both form and color have roles. In addition, Paul Gauguin was
the first artist to use the effects of Primitivism, which was characterized
by geometric designs, vividly contrasting colors, and exaggerated body
proportions. This movement was influenced by the raw mystical powers of
the arts and culture from Africa and Polynesia.
Paul Gauguin had an enormous influence on other artists in the 20th century including Matisse and Picasso, and also helped to bring about the Cubism movement.
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