Vairumati

Vairumati (1897) by Paul Gauguin is an oil painting that draws on Tahitian mythology and Gauguin's fascination with the island's culture. The painting depicts a Tahitian woman, Vairumati, shown seated against a lush, tropical backdrop. She is adorned with a red pareo and a flower behind her ear, exuding a sense of tranquility and introspection. The vibrant colors, especially the deep greens of the vegetation and the warm earth tones, reflect Gauguin's use of bold, non-naturalistic hues to convey emotional intensity and symbolism. The figure's calm and poised expression contrasts with the rich, vivid environment, emphasizing a sense of mysticism and spiritual depth that aligns with Gauguin's vision of Tahitian paradise.