Gauguin revisited
by Venzago

Over thirty years ago, I began exploring Polynesia, fascinated by the descendants of Paul Gauguin's models. My curiosity about their lives today, their heritage, and their awareness of their lineage led me on a journey to uncover their stories. In March and April 2024, with the help of Josette Garonne, I photographed several descendants in original locations. We researched family trees, searching through old records in Hiva Oa and Atuona.

My travels aren’t just about exploration—they're an obsession to document these people's faces and stories. Gauguin’s life, fraught with hardship and decay, has deeply impacted my view of his art. As I continue interviewing descendants and reviewing his letters, my passion for photography drives me. In the winter of 2024, I’ll follow Gauguin’s 1901 journey, retracing his steps to capture the essence of his world and the people who remain part of his legacy.