Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant)

Noa Noa (Fragrant, Fragrant) was created between 1894 and 1895 by Paul Gauguin, Pola Gauguin, and Christian Cato. This profound graphic work is classified as a print, utilizing the demanding medium of a woodcut impressed upon delicate China paper. The production involved a complex collaboration, where Gauguin provided the original designs and carved matrix, while his son, Pola Gauguin, and master printer Cato managed the difficult task of printing and producing various editions of the finished work. This combination of raw, expressive carving and careful printing characterizes the technical innovation inherent in Gauguin’s graphic output.

Originating from the French cultural sphere, this woodcut is emblematic of the Post-Impressionist period, belonging squarely within the years 1876 to 1900. The work is intrinsically linked to Gauguin’s semi-autobiographical travel manuscript of the same name, which detailed his initial experiences in Tahiti. By rejecting the naturalism of European art, Gauguin utilized the woodcut to achieve a deliberately stylized and primitive aesthetic, aligning with the Symbolist search for spiritual depth over objective realism. The prints produced under the Noa Noa title often feature simplified forms and flat planes, emphasizing the materiality of the wood grain itself rather than illusionistic space.

The choice of medium allowed Gauguin to explore stark juxtapositions of black and white, amplifying the emotional impact of the imagery. Cato’s printing skill was crucial in realizing the nuances intended in the matrix, often employing specific inking techniques to highlight texture on the China paper. These prints represent a central turning point in the artist's career, demonstrating his mastery of the graphic arts and solidifying his influence on subsequent generations of artists seeking expressive abstraction. This important example of French printmaking from the late 19th century is held within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.