“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” (Vincent Van Gogh)

This week I had tickets for Immersive Van Gogh. What a great experience. What is a bit weird is that there are two “immersive” Van Gogh exhibits this summer in NYC. I have yet to see anything written on why there are two going on this summer like two dueling banjos, one on the west side on Vesey (Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience) and the other on the east side at Pier 36 at the South Street Seaport (Immersive Van Gogh). I don’t really care why there are two I’m just glad I got to see one.

My friend Carla and I went to Immersive Van Gogh. This 70,000 square feet on Pier 36 was transformed into a magical display of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. Set designer David Korins used his creativity to incorporate interior design and high tech activation to create this amazing exhibit. Van Gogh’s masterpieces become a digital film projected onto massive walls and set to classical music.. The projections fall on the walls, the floor, mirrored surfaces and all of the spectators which brings you into the magnificent art.

Most people know Van Gogh as a Dutch post-impressionist painter who cut his ear off in a rage. What you may not know is that he took his own life at age 37. It was after his death that he became one of the most famous artists in the history of western art. He suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions. In 10 years he created about 2100 art works including 860 oil paintings. He is known for dramatic color and bold brush work to express himself. He had a special form of synesthesia known as chromesthesia which allowed him to hear and see color. It was so wonderful to experience the masterpieces he created. You feel like you are right in Starry Night. You feel like you are at Cafe Terrace at Night. You feel like you are among the Sunflowers and Irises. And then of course there are his larger than life portraits and self-portraits and many more wonderful works of art to immerse yourself in and let your imagination soar.

It makes me feel bad that he was so unhappy, depressed and delusional and could not appreciate what he made for the world to enjoy.

Another noteworthy quote from him is “There is peace even in the storm” . I read that his last words were “The sadness will last forever”. Too bad he never knew how his work would be appreciated and last through the ages.

Here are some highlights from the exhibit.

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