00:00From different parts of the globe to the nation's capital, the National Gallery's new exhibition
00:08of Paul Gauguin's work was years in the making.
00:12But bringing the French post-Impressionist work down under wasn't without its challenges.
00:17Many museums were quite reluctant to lend it for such a long time and for such a far
00:22destination, but also because many works of Gauguin are very fragile.
00:28It's the first major showcase of his work in Australia and features some of his most
00:32recognisable paintings.
00:34He's a very special artist, you know.
00:37I think he's the first global artist looking at all kinds of works, all kinds of civilisations.
00:47Much of the exhibition features his creative journey in French Polynesia.
00:51And while it transports visitors to the land and its people, the exhibition also acknowledges
00:56the controversy that surrounds this period of Gauguin's life and work.
01:01Everybody knew it at the time, it was normal in a way, his relationship with many young
01:06Viennese, for example.
01:10Accompanying the exhibition, a series of talks, films and podcasts will explore the artist's
01:16controversial legacy.
01:18Bringing his work back to the Pacific was considered a great responsibility for the
01:22Gallery.
01:24And while Gauguin's work is the focus, the Gallery also aims to honour Polynesian cultures.
01:30Like many artists, he has a complicated history and that complexity needs to be explored.
01:36And so by working with Pacific artists, we're widening the discussion.
01:43A new approach the Gallery hopes will allow visitors to take a fresh look at Gauguin's
01:48work.
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