The “Van Gogh Alive” exhibit I recently visited was not just any art exhibition. It was an immersive projection mapping display, similar to the “Post-Impressionist Exhibition” I visited in autumn, hence the attraction-like price of 3,000 yen. What kind of experience awaited? Dressed in Mr. Jojef the postman’s long-sleeve T-shirt, I headed to the Terada Warehouse Event Venue in Tennozu Isle.
Upon stepping into the exhibition hall, the first thing I encountered was a space lined with panels explaining Vincent van Gogh’s famous works. His passionate brushwork and vibrant colors stimulated our senses, accompanied by explanatory text. Moving further, van Gogh’s bedroom in Arles was recreated with astonishing detail, from the colors of the walls to the arrangement of the furniture, overwhelming us with its high fidelity to the original. The simplicity of van Gogh’s lifestyle was also evident from the few pieces of clothing on display.
In the next phase of the exhibition, we were invited into the moving paintings of van Gogh. This unique 40-minute video work chronologically unfolded van Gogh’s works, taking viewers on his artistic journey. The space, filled with the scent of ylang-ylang, stimulated all five senses, providing a deeper immersion.
Van Gogh’s words and artworks projected on the screen, with his strong brush strokes and vivid colors, captured the beauty of nature and people, encouraging viewers to feel the same. The large-scale display highlighted van Gogh’s unique use of color and intricate details, the diversity in the eyes of his characters, and the richness of their facial colors. His works, particularly those with black outlines, were successful in making a strong impact.
Through projection mapping, van Gogh’s brushwork and use of color were beautifully expressed down to the smallest detail. Animated windmills and trains crossing the screen offered an experience beyond mere paintings. The expressions in his portraits, with hair in shades of light blue and pink and various colors used for faces, stood out more in the large-scale display. Van Gogh’s characteristic black outlines added depth and intensity to his works, leaving a profound impression on viewers. Moreover, the orchestral sound experience within the venue, akin to a live performance, added an auditory element to the visual beauty, deepening the immersion into van Gogh’s art world.
This exhibition underscored the unique strength and beauty of van Gogh’s art, providing viewers with a deep emotional experience beyond mere landscapes or portraits. The painter’s choice of brushwork and colors reflected his inner world and passion, resonating with viewers through the large screens. Van Gogh’s words displayed in the exhibition conveyed the deep meaning of his works and his attitude towards art. It’s regrettable that van Gogh couldn’t know how people would be enthralled by his works during his lifetime.
The exhibition offered a new perspective on experiencing van Gogh’s art, understanding why his works continue to impact people across time. It was truly a magnificent exhibition, one I’d like to visit again. Focusing on a single painter reminds us that to truly appreciate beauty, we must pay close attention to details. Speaking of which, van Gogh once said, “To enjoy the beauty of flowers, one must take the time to observe their beauty closely.” This suggests that beauty is not just a fleeting moment but becomes more apparent through deep and prolonged observation.
The beauty of nature and art becomes richer when we take the time to feel it quietly and thoroughly, rather than rushing through. Let’s take our time to not miss the beautiful moments in everyday life, and don’t miss the discoveries van Gogh made through his close observation of nature!
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