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Plants of Gauguin’s ‘Voyage to Paradise’

Be immersed in the plants of the South Pacific that inspired Gauguin’s famous Tahitian scenes at Selby Gardens’ exhibition, Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise.  Inspired by a number of rarely-seen prints on display in the Museum of Botany & the Arts, The Gardens reflect the paradisiacal landscape that Gauguin sought out during his life.

The upcoming Botanical Briefing, Plants of the South Pacific, highlights the plants of Gauguin’s artwork and their cultural significance. Presented by Dr. Warren Wagner of the Smithsonian Institution, the lecture covers the importance of plants in the South Pacific such as coconut, hibiscus, taro, bananas, sugar cane, breadfruit, and the screw pine. Dr. Wagner, a Research Botanist & Curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, will also discuss the immigration of these plants from the Americas by Polynesian settlers, their growth in the South Pacific, and ultimately their importance to the region.

The lecture and admission to the Gardens are also completely free to guests that register for the event, thanks to the generous support of the Florida Humanities Council.

“We are pleased to have the support of the Florida Humanities Council for this lecture and to offer this educational opportunity to further explain the importance of these tropical plants in South Pacific culture,” explains Jeannie Perales, Vice President for Museum Exhibitions, Learning, and Engagement.

Many of the plants seen in Gauguin’s art appear on Selby Gardens’ grounds. Before or after the lecture, guests are invited to Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise.

With the support of the Florida Humanities Council, Selby Gardens offers this lecture free-of-charge. Reservations are required, as seating is limited. Save your seat at s33944.p20.sites.pressdns.com.