By the virtual reality concession, I found this thoughtful quote and I needed to share this because I believe it is the foundation of anything innovative and artistically moving. Art is unambiguous and emotional, but there’s multiple layers to art so for magic to occur, there shouldn’t be pressure to create it all quickly and in one shot (the impulse).

An edition to the experience is the option to participate in the virtual reality simulation experience where you get to walk through a day in the life of the artist. Immersing yourself into his shoes and the way he sees life around him, the VR option allows the audience to become even more interactive and reflective.

Reflecting on my experience, I have to say I appreciate the sequence of the progression of his timeline. At the beginning, you’re greeted with a timeline of the artist’s career. Next, you’re greeted through the virtual aspect regarding his works, which would be part one. Following is the complete immersion where you lose yourself in color and light. Lastly, there’s the chapter of his life where there’s the fighting against darkness (part 3: the convent).

Wow that was amazing! For all the Van Gogh fans out there, there’s a gift shop right outside the exit of the exhibit. Here, there’s muraled styled pillows, souvenirs, and apparel.

Here’s what I drew! #upcomingartist
I decided to focus on the light and dark contrast in composition, which was part two of the immersive experience. Part two was the losing of yourself in color and light and I felt understanding this principle was essential to understanding his mind when it came to his work.

Finishing off my Van Gogh immersive experience with some creativity! I may be no artist, but I can definitely color between the lines. At the end of the exhibit is a center to pick from multiple sketches of his work to color in your own way and then clip onto the walls. What should I color?

The strong influence of the Japanese masters resonate in his paintings through diagonal compositions, dark contours for shadow and the tight frames in pieces such as in “Almond Blossom.”

Yellow and sunflowers weren’t his only source of inspiration. Van Gogh adored Japan and its culture. Various works of his showcase cherry blossoms and the cultural landscape. He quotes in the audio playing throughout the exhibition: “I envy the Japanese the extreme sharpness that everything seems to have(…) they make a figure with a few confident strokes.”

Van Gogh says “If someone tells you you cannot paint, paint anyway”. I’m not a painter, but I am a writer and that’s considered an artist. I think his drive to do what he loves really showcases in his work. He was observant in his surroundings, but also is enthralled with nature and searches for its beauty. Regardless of confinement, he gives us a glimpse into countryside, urban, night, day, etc.

The exhibit discusses his transition through sharp lines and a muted painting that is less detailed. Due to painting still life, he would paint all day to try and capture the flowers’ essence in that given moment. Depending on the day, you can examine the difference in his stroke. The top is softer in color whereas the bottom is sharper in stroke and crisper. Within a year, you can see the deterioration in his painting due to his illness taking over.