Set at Bengaluru's Bharatiya Mall, it's not just the exhibition itself, but Van Gogh's tragic story that truly leaves a lasting impression.
'The Starry Night' (1889) by Vincent Van Gogh. (Shrey Gupta)
There’s an undeniable quality to Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh’s art and his poignant struggle with mental health that continues to strike a chord with admirers, even after more than 130 years.
This sentiment is visible in the throngs of people flocking to the fresh immersive art exhibit in Bengaluru — Van Gogh 360°, which opened its doors to public on Tuesday, 8 August.
Out of the many Western artists, Dutch painter Van Gogh has captured the imagination of the masses like none other and his story has permeated into popular culture. The exhibit, touted to be a visual treat of the Impressionist’s fans, is a glimpse into his journey.
In Bhartiya Mall, Bengaluru, this multimedia show employs modern projection technology to immerse viewers in the artist’s works.
Out of the many Western artists, Van Gogh has captured the imagination of the masses like none other. (Anagha Maareesha)
As the artworks spring to life, they are seamlessly accompanied by bespoke classical compositions, tailored for this captivating exhibition.
“The vibrancy and details of Van Gogh’s artwork are powerful and are very effective in an immersive environment. The scale of the exhibit allows for an even greater appreciation of his technique given each stroke is magnified,” Mark Monahan, Van Gogh 360°’s organiser, tells South First.
“At a museum, it may be possible to delve deeper into the art side of things, whereas immersive art exhibits like this are about democratising art and making it more accessible for the layman,” he adds.
The journey began with a cascade of slides, each intricately detailing the narrative of the artist’s life.
Each slide intricately details the narrative of the artist’s life. (Shrey Gupta)
Van Gogh’s tale is sombre, characterised by his struggles and challenges. In his lifetime, he dedicated just a decade to painting, yet within those limited years, he achieved remarkable levels of productivity and creativity.
He grappled with what has been identified today as bipolar disorder. Regrettably, the treatment he received at the time only worsened his condition.
He infamously severed his ear in an act of torment. Tragically, at 37, he ended his life by shooting himself in the chest, in the same wheat fields he had immortalised on his canvases.
His sole support in his life was his brother, Theo.
Immersing ourselves in his narrative and witnessing his artistic creations interwoven created an incredibly moving and touching experience.
The iconic paintings were skillfully projected onto both the walls and floors of the room, emanating from the ceiling above.
The musical accompaniment harmonised with the visual displays. (Anagha Maareesha)
However, a minor setback was that the ceiling itself remained untouched by the spectacle, thereby missing a chance to contribute to the immersive ambience that could have elevated the experience further.
The musical accompaniment played a pivotal role, evoking emotions, and beautifully harmonising with the visual displays.
Over the span of 30 minutes, the visual journey seamlessly incorporated a diverse selection of Van Gogh’s artwork. It embraced both his celebrated masterpieces and a handful of lesser-known gems.
The Starry Night (1889), Almond Blossoms (1890), Bulb Fields (1883), and Old Church Tower at Nuenen (1885) are just a handful of the artworks that immediately captured our attention.
The true brilliance lies in the expansive display. (Anagha Maareesha)
“The designers we worked with used a mix of well-known pieces and some lesser-known pieces. The way the pieces are sequenced and the animator’s creative interpretation makes this a unique experience,” explains Monahan.
Stepping into the exhibit, many visitors gravitate towards celebrated works like The Starry Night and Sunflowers. Yet, the true brilliance lies in the expansive display of Van Gogh’s portraits, where his unmistakable style shines large and vibrant, as Monahan points out.
“Perhaps, a lesser-known piece that is featured in the show, relative to those I mentioned previously, is Girl in White, which he painted during the last months of his life,” Monahan adds.
The colour palette and mood flow between from bright and textural, to dark and brooding; fitting to the painters’ emotional journey.
As we moved from one painting to the next, the transitions kept us on the edge of excitement. However, the actual quality of the paintings left something to be desired.
Approaching the art, we couldn’t help but notice that the details seemed pixelated and lacking in clarity.
The magic unfolded as we stepped back, revealing the full impact and beauty of each piece.
After spending around 40 minutes in the hall, we headed to the gift shop. It’s a haven for fans.
The gift shop offers themed treasures. (Anagha Maaresha)
It offers themed treasures like wine glasses adorned with iconic Sunflowers, earrings featuring the Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette, and postcards showcasing the picturesque Irises.
As we exited, it wasn’t solely the exhibition that etched a memory. Rather, Van Gogh’s story profoundly impacted us.
In his lifetime, merely one painting found a buyer.
Yet now, more than a century later and continents away, his artworks stand as enduring testaments to his legacy, celebrated with unwavering admiration.
Van Gogh 360° is an immersive experience that will be available for viewing throughout the month of August. Tickets are priced from ₹1,099. Location: Bhartiya Mall, Bhartiya City, Thanisandra, Bengaluru.
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