If you’re an art lover in Houston, clear your calendar for the most exciting exhibition of the year! Gauguin in the World has officially opened at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and it’s the cultural event of the season. Running from November 3, 2024, to February 16, 2025, this exclusive exhibition is the only stop in the U.S. for the artist’s incredible work, and you won’t want to miss it. Featuring over 150 pieces—paintings, sculptures, prints, and even Gauguin’s writings—the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to dive into the world of Paul Gauguin, the artist who transformed the art world with his vibrant color palette, unconventional style, and bold exploration of non-Western art.
From his early days as an Impressionist painter in Paris to his transformative years in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston takes you through his evolution as an artist, showing his exploration of different artistic traditions from European old masters to the indigenous cultures he came across. This exhibition brings all of these influences together in a way that makes Gauguin’s work even more fascinating.
One of the standout features of Gauguin in the World is the stunning variety of his works, from his early Impressionist pieces to his later, more exotic works influenced by his time in French Polynesia. You’ll be taken aback by the incredible range of Gauguin’s artistic genius, from wood and ceramic sculptures to his revolutionary printmaking techniques. As Ann Dumas, MFAH consulting curator for the exhibition, notes, Gauguin’s art “dissolved conventional boundaries between art forms,” making him a true pioneer of modernism.
This exhibition is truly a global team effort, bringing together over 150 works from 65 public and private collections around the world. It’s a collaboration between the MFAH and some of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Musée de Tahiti et des îles, which is lending not only Gauguin’s masterpieces but also stunning 19th-century Marquesan sculptures. The exhibition’s fascinating narrative comes courtesy of curator Henri Loyrette, who teamed up with top scholars like Miriama Bono, Norma Broude, Vaiana Giraud, and Nicholas Thomas to offer a fresh and dynamic take on Gauguin’s life and legacy.
While the exhibition itself is a must-see, the MFAH is also offering a range of related programs that will grow your appreciation for Gauguin’s work. Join in on private group tours during Tour & Toast events on November 21, December 5, 11, and 18, or check out a special lecture on Gauguin’s experimental printmaking techniques on December 5. These events are the perfect way to immerse yourself even further in Gauguin’s artistic world.
Gauguin in the World is more than just an exhibition—it’s an opportunity to step into the world of one of history’s most influential artists. Thanks to the combined efforts of Henri Loyrette, the MFAH team, and the many museums and scholars involved, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Gauguin’s legacy and lasting impact on the art world. Get your tickets, bring your friends, and prepare to be wowed by the genius that is Paul Gauguin. This is one show you don’t want to miss!
