Earlier this month, I had the absolute privilege to attend the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. It is no exaggeration when I tell you I was moved to tears multiple times as the projection and music played. There is something to be said about the magic you feel watching your favorite artist's works come to life in such a new and large way.
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I have loved Vincent since childhood, having a room centered very much around the bright yellow on how he visualized the sun, moon, and stars and green walls for the grassy fields, followed by a Starry Night theme into my teens and college. It was my way of bringing my emotions around his art to a more physical and visual sense, starting with day and ending with night as I went through adolescence. Today, I have his art and books about him all around my home. It's like being comforted and welcomed by an old friend.
| Can't ever resist a good pun! |
I think my personal attachment made the exhibit so incredibly moving for me, but that you don't need that attachment to appreciate this exhibit in its full glory. If you have a love for art or music and how the two of them dance exquisitely together, you'll not walk in that gigantic room unable to feel something. Seeing The Starry Night come alive was as breathtaking as I expected. My strongest reaction was surprisingly as my favorite French song played (Edith Piaf's Non, je ne regrette rien), I looked up and watched Vincent's sun move across the sky, I felt my eyes tear up and a short gasp escape my mouth, and thought "This is why. This is why this exhibit exists. For moments like this." Art is very much about emotional responses, positive or negative.
I felt invigorated as I watched in awe, allowing the show to go through twice. We went on a day when my husband had a bonus day off for the holiday weekend, during an off-peak time, and it was perfect. I'm still weary of being out and crowds, but the room is huge and spread out with socially-distanced circles. I stood and watched on one side of the room for one rotation of the display and then circled to the other side. I found a secluded spot central, with my back against the side of a staircase, and no one near me or in front of me blocking any view. I think it might have just been the best "seat in the house", if any such title applies to a room doused in moving artwork. All I know is that while I took photos and videos, some turned out blurry and shaky because I could barely focus or stand the idea of seeing it through my phone screen and not my actual eyes.
Reluctantly getting up from my newfound sanctuary, I made my way to the gift shop where I proceeded to want everything. Being an ambassador, I was treated graciously with a pick of a few items. I bought another couple, because the temptation was too strong. I try to always get an ornament from trips when possible, because I love when ornaments tell stories. My Christmas tree holds mini memories and nostalgia that way, making it all the more special.
The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is currently in several cities with more planned. If this is something that interests you, I highly recommend seeing if it's coming to a city near you. If you're planning on being in Toronto, visit this site for more information and tickets. It's here until October 11 and later that month, a new art exhibit will be starting! Perhaps this post has made it sound as though I am of a biased opinion, but I hope not. It's about experiencing art in a new way and possibly renewing or finding a new appreciation for it. That's a beautiful outcome.
** Tickets and three items were gifted. All pictures and opinions are my own. There are no affiliate links in this post.
