"Ia Orana Maria" is an iconic painting by Paul Gauguin created in 1891 during his stay in Tahiti. It is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This work blends Christian iconography with Tahitian elements, including the representation of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus dressed in floral pareos. An angel with yellow wings points towards them. The title, "Ia Orana Maria," refers to the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary in Tahitian. See more
Gauguin was fascinated by the religious syncretism between traditional beliefs and Christianity in Tahiti. The artwork features local characteristics, such as the lush island vegetation in the background and exotic fruits in the foreground. The faces of the characters, with their pronounced features and unusual proportions, accentuate the primitivism of the composition.
"Ia Orana Maria" illustrates the encounter between Western and Tahitian culture in Gauguin's art, challenging the conventions of the Christian Annunciation. This painting embodies Gauguin's exploration of the Polynesian world, where he sought to capture the spirituality and beauty of Tahiti by blending Christian elements with Tahitian reality. The vibrant colors and bold use of floral motifs make this work an iconic example of Gauguin's style.