Dick Gordon of The Connection described Paul Gauguin as a painter and philosopher in search of paradise. A new exhibit of Gauguin's Tahitian work opened at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Images of the work are available on both sites.

When a caller asked about Gauguin's abandonment of his wife and family to live and paint in Tahiti, the art historian, Elizabeth Childs, did not want to judge the life of Gaughin, only his work. Mario Vargas Llosa, author of "The Way to Paradise" based on Gauguin's life, however, put Gauguin's romantic ideal in perspective. Gauguin believed that as an artist he was above ordinary mores that applied to other people. This idea was part of the Romantic notion of "genuis" that sprang up during the 19th century. This romantic ideal continues to influence artists and writers today, so it should not be swept under the rug. According to this myth, a genius (males need only apply in the 19th century) can act in ways often taboo for the ordinary citizen. This can become an excuse for self destructive or hurtful behavior.

OK, so Gauguin's life is not one to emulate, but his mysterious art, a product of his life and spiritual quest could not have been made on any other path.

George Shackleford, chair of the Art of Europe and co-curator of Gauguin Tahiti was also a guest on the show.

See Griselda Pollack's work for a feminist critique of Gauguin. I'm still looking for a link to her book.