WALKING into Van Gogh’s paintings, via this stunning immersive experience, is a feast for the senses - and a moving insight into a tortured soul.
Over his 10-year career, Vincent Van Gogh produced nearly 900 paintings and more than 1,000 drawings. His shifting styles exposed a state of mind so volatile he admitted himself to an asylum, where he created some of his best known work.
The seminal Dutch artist is celebrated in Van Gogh Alive - an immersive, multi-sensory art experience blending high-definition projections of his paintings with digital surround sound, evocative music and aromas of Provence. More than 3,000 images are projected onto huge screens, along with quotes from the artist’s letters, offering the chance to see details of the Post-Impressionist’s work like never before.
The world’s most visited immersive art exhibition, Van Gogh Alive has been seen by a global audience of 8.5 million people in 80 cities. In the UK it has had sell-out residencies in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. This week it opened in Bradford - the Yorkshire debut of Van Gogh Alive- running at the Grade II listed Regency Hall for three months.
The stunning installation, created by Grande Experiences, is a must-see cultural highlight, in our newly-crowned City of Culture. I went along this week and was blown away by its scale and beauty. It is unlike any other art display I have seen. It’s like walking into his paintings, as if they’re living and breathing.
With giant projections of his famous works, including Starry Night and Cafe Terrace at Night, and a gorgeous ‘Sunflower selfie’ mirror room, it’s an Instagram dream. But it’s much more than that. It is fascinating, thrilling and moving.
Being immersed in these changing images and colours connects the visitor to the mind and soul of this brilliant but troubled artist. A series of self portraits painted throughout his career bookend the five movements that defined his art and reflected his changing states of mind: his early work in the Netherlands; Paris, where he developed a brighter palette and the style he’s best known for; Arles, his most prolific period; Saint-Remy where, declining into mental illness and self-mutilation, he painted Starry Night - a view of the town beneath swirling clouds and crescent moon and stars - from his asylum window; and the haunting works of Auvers, exposing the emotional turmoil of his final days.
In a poignant nod to the artist’s struggle with mental illness, Van Gogh Alive is supporting Mind in Bradford during its three-month run. Visitors can donate to the charity via ‘Tap to Donate’ points at the installation.
Van Gogh Alive is presented through Grande Experiences’ SENSORY4 technology, combining multi-channel motion graphics, cinema quality surround sound and up to 40 high-definition projectors.
Bruce Peterson, owner of Australia-based Grande Experiences - a world leader in creating large-scale immersive events - says the Van Gogh exhibition is an “unforgettable cultural experience” for visitors of all ages. As well as the multi-sensory element there’s a gallery of information about the artist’s life and work, and the opportunity to create your own mini masterpiece.
John Carrigan, Project Director of Active Sport and Entertainment, organising the UK tour of Van Gogh Alive, says it’s an accessible way to see the artist’s work: “It’s perfect for social media, so younger audiences are really connecting, and it’s a great family attraction. Even if you’re not into art, the technical side and the scale are of huge interest.
“We’re working with schools and the University of Bradford on ways of engaging with the experience.”
With 800 works of art displayed on six metre high screens, the size of the venue is crucial. “There has to be a high ceiling - so Regency Hall is perfect. It’s an amazing venue, they’ve been very supportive,” says John.
Located in the landmark former St Mary’s Church building on the corner of the Shipley Airedale Road and Barkerend Road, Regency Hall is a stylish wedding, banqueting and events space. Owner Raj Parmar says it’s an “honour” to be hosting Van Gogh Alive, and bookings are coming in from around the UK.
“It’s an incredible experience that provides access to art, and one of the most famous figures in art, in a totally different way,” says Raj. “You become engrossed in his art and feel part of his story. I’m blown away by it.”
St Mary’s Church was completed in 1875 - when Van Gogh was 22. “I fell in love with the space, its history and character,” says Raj. “A whole community grew around the church, with streets and a school. The original alter is still here, and the war memorial.
“I’ve had this venue for five years and most events are one or two-day hires, so this has been a learning curve. The team have been amazing. Having the Van Gogh experience here is a coup for Bradford, as we begin the journey towards City of Culture 2025. I look forward to working with the team on other projects.”
Bradford Council, which has set out a commitment to culture as driver for regeneration in its Culture is Our Plan strategy, played a proactive role in bringing the exhibition to the district.
Says council leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe: “Van Gogh Alive is not just an art exhibition, it’s an incredible and immersive experience for all the senses. Bringing the district’s amazing heritage spaces like Regency Hall to life in this way is absolutely something we’ll be continuing to do as part of our 10-year Culture is Our Plan strategy and the district’s UK City of Culture programme up to and beyond 2025.”
* Van Gogh Alive runs at Regency Hall until January 8, 2023. For tickets go to www.vangoghaliveuk.com/bradford/
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