Interpretation Center Paul Gauguin
Martinique was a brief stop in Paul Gauguin's wanderings, but a decisive moment in the evolution of his art. He arrived from Panama in 1887 with friend and fellow painter Charles Laval and, having pawned his watch at the docks, rented a wooden shack on a hill above Carbet. Dazzled by the tropical colors and vegetation, Gauguin developed a style, his Martinique period, that directly anticipated his Tahitian paintings. Also remembered here is the writer Lafcadio Hearn. In his endearing book Two Years in the West Indies he provides the most extensive description of the island before St-Pierre was buried in ash and lava. A major renovation created unique white cottages that house an interactive multimedia exhibit. The front gallery features some of Gauguin's original works. Throughout are exhibits detailing his life on Martinique. Space has also been set aside for temporary exhibitions for Martinican and Caribbean artists like a recent one for Carnival masks. In addition there are painting classes. The entryway displays a large, wooden sculpture by the island’s well-known artist, Hector Charpentier.
