Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition

Be moved, be dazzled and be inspired by the images of the masterpieces by one of the most famous artists in history, Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890). This was my experience when I was at an exclusive preview of "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition", right here in Singapore.

When I first found out that the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands will be presenting "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" from 16 Apr - 6 Nov 2011, I knew that this would be the exhibition that I must make time to go for. After my visit to this multi-media art installation-cum-show, I dare say that this is the exhibition meant for everyone.

In this exhibition, over 40 high definition projectors are used to project more than 3000 images in super large format onto surfaces of the gallery. Drawing inspirations from the concept of "Image Totale" (Total Image) by Albert Plecy in which the spectator is intergrated in the work of art, visitors to "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" will be able to discover new angles and perspective to viewing Van Gogh's masterpieces while immersing ourselves in a brilliant world of colour, movement and light.

Being inside "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" was a beautiful sensory experience for me. The countless beautiful images of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces told the story of the passionate and visionary artist who had so lovingly painted them. "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" can be described as an immersive show that traces Van Gogh's artistic journey from Arles to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Auvers-sur-Oise, which were some of the most important places where he had created many of his masterpieces.

Admittedly, Vincent van Gogh is one of my favourite artists. I love his artworks for their originality, highly personal style, and for the passionate enthusiasm that radiated from them. At "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition", I was touched by artistically choreographed sequence of images and beautifully played classical music which were thoughtfully chosen to evoke the emotive essence of the artworks.

Vincent van Gogh is one of the artists that I think everyone ought to make time to experience his masterpieces. His works are highly personal, intensely creative and original. What I have found worthy of respect was his clear sense of devotion and passion in bringing beauty to the world through his paintings. His artworks are the expressions of his love for life and beauty, I would think.

Vincent Willem van Gogh (1853 - 1890), also known by most people as Vincent van Gogh, was born in Groot-Zundert, The Netherlands. The son of a Calvinist pastor, he was brought up in religious and cultured atmosphere. When he finally decided to become an artist, he was determined to give happiness by creating beauty.

In 1886, Vincent van Gogh went to Paris to join his younger brother, Theo van Gogh, manager of Goupil's gallery. It was in Paris that Vincent van Gogh studied with Cormon, and met artists such as Pissaro, Monet and Gauguin. The move to Paris exposed Van Gogh to artists associated with the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, influencing Van Gogh to lighten his previously very dark palette (choice of colours). Since his move to Paris, Vincent van Gogh adopted brighter and more vibrant colours that most people associate with his highly personal style of painting.

In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Arles with the aim of creating a school of art. As the year of 1888 came to an end, he travelled to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where he committed himself to an asylum. In May 1890, he went to live in Auvers-sur-Oise under the watchful eye of Dr Gachet, a physician, before Van Gogh died on 29 Jul 1890 from a wound after an attempt to shot himself.

After you have learnt about the major events of Van Gogh's life, it is worth highlighting that "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" showcases images of Van Gogh’s art works from his most prolific decade from 1880 to 1890. The pleasure and delight of seeing the images of Van Gogh's masterpieces from the most prolific period of his practice as an artist is surely one good reason why I think it is worth catching "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" at least once.

1. For visitors who are new to Vincent van Gogh, please take a look at the write-ups found on the walls of the corridors before entering the gallery where "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" takes place. These write-ups provide a good background of Van Gogh's life, key influences and style of painting.

2. For visitors who would like to learn more about some of Van Gogh's masterpieces, there are static panels inside the gallery to provide more information.

3. For visitors who enjoy multi-media installations and want to experience every second of it, you may wish to know that each sequence of the projections last approximately 30 minutes. You would know that it is the end of the sequence when you see Vincent van Gogh's signature against the dark walls. The suggestion by the Artistic Director of this exhibition was to experience at least two sequences so as to optimise your chance to catch a glimpse of most of the 3000 images.

4. For visitors who prefer to appreciate the artistic direction behind this entire immersive show, it helps to read the Artistic Direction by Artistic Director, Annabelle Mauger. It is found in the gallery, near the static panels.

5. For visitors who are going with children, please know that it is alright for your children to touch the gallery walls and the projected images of Van Gogh's masterpieces. "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" offers children the opportunity to immerse themselves in Van Gogh's artworks and be fascinated by the play of light and colour. If your children were to sing along gently with the music, please take it as a good sign that your children are enjoying themselves. Let them be.

To help make the experience equally enjoyable for other visitors, please guide the children to be considerate while they are having fun.

6. For the budget-conscious visitors, stretch the value of your admission ticket by also visiting the other exhibitions held at the ArtScience Museum, for example "Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds".

7. Finally, for visitors who are seasoned museum-visitors, please go to "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" with an open mind and heart. This exhibition is a sensory experience that is better enjoyed with an open mind and heart. It may help to perceive "Van Gogh Alive - The Exhibition" as an immersive art show rather than a regular art exhibition with actual paintings or an interactive multi-media installation.