Here we make love

Paul Gauguin's 1893 woodcut, "Here we make love," is a powerful example of his Post-Impressionist and Symbolist approach, reflecting his fascination with Tahitian life and his innovative use of printmaking. Created during his first extended stay in Tahiti, this work embodies the 'primitivism' that Gauguin embraced, seeking an escape from European industrialization and a connection to what he perceived as a more authentic, spiritual existence. Gauguin was a prolific printmaker, known for pushing the boundaries of wood engraving and woodcuts as art forms, and this piece showcases his experimental use of color and bold, graphic lines. It's a stark contrast to the Impressionist styles he initially encountered, instead aligning with the Synthetist style he developed, where form and color are simplified to convey emotional and symbolic meaning. This work, alongside others from his Tahitian period like "Merahi metua no Tehamana" and "Mahana no atua," demonstrates his ongoing exploration of indigenous cultures and spiritual themes, which became central to his artistic identity.