| A leading post-impressionist artist, Paul Gauguin's work | | | | inspirational islands, which became reflected in his |
| and life reached one of its most significant turning | | | | simplistic, richly coloured artistic style that found its |
| points when he migrated to the idyllic setting of French | | | | expression through sketches, paintings and sculpture. |
| Polynesia in the South Pacific. | | | | Artwork |
| Much in the same vein as many modern backpackers, | | | | It was through this artwork that some of the beauty of |
| Gauguin's trip into the 118-island archipelago was | | | | these islands, as evidence of its outstanding impact on |
| motivated by a desire to get away from the complex | | | | its visitors, can be revealed to any would-be budget |
| and crowded life of western civilisation. | | | | traveller considering a trip to French Polynesia. |
| Artistic influence | | | | Stylistically unmistakable, Gauguin's blend of |
| Taking up residence in the then primitive Tahiti, which | | | | impressionist influence with the simple use of starkly |
| now has more than its fair share of French Polynesia | | | | contrasting, yet vibrant colours taking French |
| hostels, Gauguin lived on the island for much of his | | | | Polynesian landscapes and people as its main subject |
| elderly life, moving to the Marguesas Islands where he | | | | matter. |
| died in 1903. | | | | Much in the vein of the modern day backpacker, |
| However, Gauguin spent enough time on the island to | | | | Gauguin also went to live among the island's native |
| break with the former conventions of his own artwork | | | | population, away from the European township of |
| and develop a style that has become so renowned | | | | Papetee where he had settled for some time. |
| today - and who could blame him. | | | | Aside from his drawings and paintings, Gauguin also |
| French Polynesia hostels are undoubtedly some of the | | | | developed a unique pottery style, using his bare hands, |
| most exciting sleeping spots in the world, surrounded | | | | out of which he would model Polynesian-influenced |
| by natural beauty, colourful landscapes and vibrant | | | | forms onto flat tablets, much in the same style as his |
| tribal cultures that maintain much of their traditions. | | | | artwork. |
| Gauguin became understandably entranced by these | | | | |