One of the world’s greatest artist’s is currently “on tour” in South Korea, and the exhibition is one that should not be missed by art lovers.
Titled “Van Gogh: Voyage into the Myth,” it has been named as one of the best Van Gogh exhibitions Asia has ever seen.
Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch artist who only decided to pursue art when he was in his late twenties. He was known as a Dutch Post-Impressionist artist who seems to have had flirtatious relationships with color – his main symbol of expression.
The exhibition, currently on at the Seoul National Museum, traces Van Gogh’s 10-year career till his unfortunate death in 1890.
His paintings are displayed chronologically, allowing viewers a glimpse into Van Gogh’s extraordinary life. It is imperative to familiarize yourself with the artist’s history to fully understand his paintings – from the theme to use of colours and contrasts to brush strokes and the motive to creating the piece.
The first set begins with the Dutch period (1881-1885) when Van Gogh started painting. works titled “Man at Table,” “Peasant Women Digging Potatoes,” “Sorrow,” and “The Potato Eaters,” which are dark and grim. The figures in his paintings are mostly seen in a crouching position (“Sorrow” is of a nude woman sitting crouched on a chair).
The Paris period (1886-1888) sees Van Gogh playing with a bit of colour, which is evident in the paintings of the city and his flower still life paintings.
Also on display are his representative works known as “Roses and Peonies,” “Flowers in a Blue Vase” and the “Self-portrait” – a painting that depicts Van Gogh in a straw hat and mustard colour waistcoat.
In 1889, Van Gogh committed himself to a psychiatric asylum, and from this era we can see his creations titled “Irises” and religious pieces like “Good Samaritan.”
Art enthusiast, Michael Tanner from Canada said that he was in awe of being in the same space as some of the world’s most famous and expensive art pieces. He was strolling the halls alone, saying that none of his friends are into “all this art stuff.” He went on to say, “Being here, I feel a great sense of connection with Van Gogh and I feel honoured to be viewing his artwork.”
People of all ages were seen immersed in the artworks. You can’t blame them, because it is easy to get lost in the artist’s progressive pieces. From grim and dark to energetic and bright. Van Gogh’s paintings appeared to have been thick-coated, giving incredible depth to the scene that has been depicted.
“If you don’t know much about his life history, these paintings are meaningless,” said Sun Young Park, who was also at the exhibition with a group of friends.
Mother of two, Hye Yon Lee seemed a bit distressed as she felt she was being hurried along by other spectators. Granted, it was a Saturday evening so the museum was pretty full. Perhaps to come into close contact and to experience the artworks intimately, it is best to visit the museum on a weekday.
“I took art in college, so I am very familiar with Van Gogh’s work. I will definitely come back for a second visit,” said Lee.
Security is extremely tight at the museum, so one should not even attempt snapping photo’s of the exclusive art pieces. However, photos are allowed in the gift shop on the top floor, where various memorabilia can be bought.
“Van Gogh: Voyage into the Myth” is currently on display till March 16. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (it is close on Mondays). Tickets are 12,000 Won for adults, 10,000 for students and 8,000 for children.
