Meaning: The quote "I shut my eyes in order to see" by Paul Gauguin, the renowned French post-impressionist artist, encapsulates a profound perspective on the nature of perception and artistic vision. Gauguin's statement reflects his belief in the power of imagination, introspection, and inner vision as essential components of the artistic process.

In interpreting this quote, it is crucial to consider the context of Gauguin's life and artistic career. Gauguin, who was born in 1848, was known for his innovative approach to art and his quest for a deeper understanding of human experience. Throughout his life, Gauguin sought to break away from the limitations of objective representation and traditional artistic conventions, turning instead to the realms of imagination and symbolism.

The phrase "I shut my eyes in order to see" suggests a deliberate act of closing off external stimuli in order to access a deeper, more profound form of vision. It implies that by turning inward and closing off the distractions of the external world, one can gain insight into deeper truths and realities that might otherwise remain unseen. In the context of art, this concept speaks to the idea that true creativity and artistic expression often emerge from a place of introspection and contemplation.

For Gauguin, this approach to seeing was closely tied to his exploration of symbolism and the representation of inner emotions and spiritual truths in his paintings. His work often depicted scenes from his travels to exotic locations, as well as mythological and allegorical themes, conveying a sense of mystery and symbolic depth. By shutting his eyes to the literal representation of the world, Gauguin sought to tap into a more profound level of artistic vision that transcended mere visual observation.

Furthermore, Gauguin's quote can be interpreted as a call to embrace the imagination as a means of perceiving and understanding the world. By shutting one's eyes to the immediate physical reality, one opens oneself to the realm of possibilities and creative potential. In this sense, the act of "seeing" becomes not just a passive reception of sensory input, but an active engagement with the inner landscape of the mind.

In the broader context of art history, Gauguin's quote resonates with the broader movement of symbolism and the search for deeper meaning in art. Symbolist artists, who emerged in the late 19th century, sought to move beyond the surface appearances of the world and delve into the realms of the unconscious, the spiritual, and the symbolic. Gauguin's quote aligns with this artistic ethos, as it emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the superficial and engaging with the inner dimensions of human experience.

In conclusion, "I shut my eyes in order to see" encapsulates Paul Gauguin's belief in the power of inner vision, imagination, and symbolism as essential elements of artistic perception and expression. It urges us to look beyond the surface of things, to turn inward, and to engage with the deeper truths that lie beyond mere visual observation. Gauguin's quote continues to resonate as a timeless reminder of the transformative potential of artistic vision and the endless possibilities that unfold when we close our eyes to the external world and open them to the imagination.