Arii Matamoe

Paul Gauguin (French - Arii Matamoe (The Royal End) - Google Art Project

Arii Matamoe or The Royal End is a famous painting by the French artist Paul Gauguin, created in 1892 during his first trip to Tahiti. The painting is notable for its depiction of the severed head of a Tahitian royal figure, presenting a stark and powerful image of death and the end of royalty. Gauguin's work is often associated with the Post-Impressionism movement, and Arii Matamoe is a prime example of his experimentation with color, form, and the exotic themes that became characteristic of his later work.

Description

The painting features a decapitated head on a white pillow, with a mournful figure in the background, possibly signifying the lamentation over the loss of a leader or a noble figure in Tahitian society. The use of vibrant colors and the juxtaposition of life and death themes reflect Gauguin's fascination with Tahitian culture and his attempts to capture the essence of what he perceived as an exotic and untouched society. The title Arii Matamoe translates to "The Royal End" or "The King's Sleep" in English, further emphasizing the themes of mortality and the decline of royal power.

Background

Paul Gauguin was a leading Post-Impressionist artist known for his bold experimentation with color and synthetist style. Disillusioned with the industrialized European society and the conventional art scene, Gauguin sought inspiration in more 'primitive' cultures, leading him to travel to Tahiti in 1891. His works from this period are characterized by a deep engagement with Tahitian subjects, landscapes, and myths, which he portrayed with a mix of admiration and a colonial perspective that often romanticized and misunderstood the local culture.

Significance

Arii Matamoe is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Gauguin's departure from European artistic conventions and his embrace of themes and motifs that were considered exotic at the time. Secondly, the painting is an important commentary on the impact of colonialism and the inevitable changes it brought to indigenous cultures, symbolized by the death of a royal figure. Lastly, it is a testament to Gauguin's complex relationship with Tahiti—a place he idealized as a paradise while also being a critical observer of its colonization and cultural transformations.

Controversy

The painting has been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding Gauguin's portrayal of Tahitian culture and his role as a colonial figure. Critics argue that Gauguin's work, including Arii Matamoe, exoticizes and objectifies the Tahitian people, presenting a distorted view of their culture that served Western fantasies about the 'noble savage'. This critique is part of a larger discussion on the ethics of representation and the power dynamics involved in the artistic depiction of colonized peoples.

Current Location

Arii Matamoe is currently housed in the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California, where it is part of the museum's extensive collection of European art. The painting is frequently studied and exhibited as a key work in Gauguin's oeuvre and a significant piece in the history of Post-Impressionist art.