Paul Gauguin with Daisy Dixon
Summary
Host Claire Aubin and guest Daisy Dixon discuss Paul Gauguin’s legacy in Dixon’s new book, *Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art*. They examine how Gauguin’s post-impressionist works are often celebrated while ignoring his history of abandoning his family and exploiting child brides in Tahiti. The conversation explores the philosophical and ethical implications of viewing "immoral" art, challenging the moral relativism that excuses his actions by citing historical norms. Dixon argues that Gauguin’s own writings reveal a conscious awareness of his depravity, complicating the romanticized nar…
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest welcome
Reception of the book 'Depraved'
Challenges of writing for a general audience
Background in art history and philosophy
Who is Paul Gauguin and his artistic style
Gauguin's reputation and conflict with Van Gogh
Motivations for moving to Tahiti
Abuse of child brides in Tahiti
Gauguin's dehumanizing letters about women
Analysis of 'The Spirit of the Dead Watching'
The heroic rape tradition in art
Objectification and the male gaze in art history
Deepfakes and modern aesthetic harm
Beauty standards, plastic surgery, and autonomy
Can art be separated from the artist?
The viewer's role and disinterestedness
Hard cases: Gill and Hitler's art
Counter-speech and metaphysical iconoclasm
Gauguin's death and legacy of harm
Outro and book promotion
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