Barbarian Return to the primitive genius

Author: Amur Batu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: "The era of visual culture has arrived! The National Publishing House has meticulously crafted the 'Illustrated Master Series,' a series of illustrated book collections! Written by a world-renowned painting master with a unique life story and accompanied by the elegant prose of a PhD in art history from France, the book is interspersed with exquisite illustrations, offering readers a feast for the eyes. You may know the 'madman' Van Gogh, but you might not know the 'fool' Gauguin. His life was bizarre and extraordinary. He abandoned his lucrative career as a stockbroker and, on a whim, began teaching himself painting at the age of 35, earning the nickname 'fool' from French painters at the time. Like his friend the 'madman' Van Gogh, Gauguin's works were not recognized by the French art world during his lifetime. It wasn't until half a century after his tragic death that people discovered Gauguin was indeed a pioneer of modern art in the 20th century. He was a rogue who refused to stay with his beloved wife and children. He traveled alone to the unspoiled tropical islands of the South Pacific, lived among the indigenous people, and began his painting career with uncertain meals and mounting debts. Moreover, he cohabited with several indigenous women, had affairs with various prostitutes, contracted syphilis, suffered immensely, and attempted suicide. Yet, it was this rogue who, while plagued by illness, exposed the atrocities committed by colonial officials in oppressing the indigenous people, stood up for justice, and angered the authorities, leading to a malicious conviction and imprisonment. He died tragically in prison. Perhaps the master's death was not painful. For, before his death, he left a thought-provoking statement: 'They have defeated me, but not conquered me. Those suffering indigenous people smile under the harsh treatment of civilized people. Have they been conquered? Upon reflection, barbarians are stronger than civilized people. Some blame me for calling myself a 'barbarian,' and they are wrong! I am a barbarian.'"