Gauguin: Metamorphoses @ MoMA - More than Paintings of Paradise

The Tahitian idyllic paradise that Gauguin portrayed in his beautiful oil paintings are on view along with his rare & exceptional prints and transfer drawings.  This magical exhibit is an assembly of more than 100 works on paper that connect with dozens of his significant paintings & sculptures.  The use of color and female figures in his "idyllic pagan" compositions are dispersed amongst innovative wood carvings and prints that add a depth of innovation to his iconic modernist paintings.  The wider range of Gaugin's work encompassed detail woodcuts, mystifying watercolors and transfer drawings which appear multi-dimensional.  As you 1st enter, there are several surprising ceramic cylinder sculptures with rich glazed tones.  His wood carvings are remarkably detailed.  Some capture the movement of waves & island breezes.  I was transfixed with his "Noa Noa" woodcut.  There are recurring motifs of beautiful women amidst tropical splendor that are lovely & serene.   Also look for images of impish nymphs & spirits.   The oil painting "A Girl with Fan" is exquisite.  The beauty of his modernist paintings are enhanced surrounded by other creative but less familiar works that utilized varied mediums.   Gauguin:  Metamorphoses is an oasis of delights.