Sue Prideaux

Sue Prideaux, an award-winning biographer known for her works on luminaries like Nietzsche and Munch, dives deep into the life of Paul Gauguin. The discussion reveals the complex legacy of this 19th-century artist, exploring his controversial relationships in Tahiti and the impact of colonialism on his work. Prideaux shares insights from Gauguin's recently uncovered memoir and his connections with Polynesian cultural practices. She sheds light on his dual role as both an advocate for indigenous identity and a figure of contention in art history.

Sue Prideaux, a notable biographer known for her compelling portraits of Nietzsche and Munch, discusses her latest work on Paul Gauguin. She shares surprising insights about Gauguin's brief stint as an investment banker and his unconventional marriage. The conversation dives into his anticolonial activism and the stark realities of his Tahitian life, contrasting romantic notions with colonial experiences. Prideaux also reveals the intriguing reason she begins with Gauguin’s teeth, shedding light on the complexities of his legacy and artistic influence.

Sue Prideaux, a prize-winning biographer known for her captivating works on Nietzsche and Munch, explores the intriguing life of Paul Gauguin in her latest book. She reveals Gauguin's unexpected stint as an investment banker and his unique marriage. The discussion dives into his transformation from banker to artist, the challenges he faced in Paris, and his later life in Tahiti, where he championed anticolonial activism. Notably, she shares why she begins with an analysis of his decayed teeth, shedding light on Gauguin’s health and legacy.