The exhibition simply exceeded my expectations. Rather than getting some education from a perfect gallery by realist artist, it was more like having a vivid and intimate talk with Van Gogh in person. His magical imagination transcends time and space, possesses unique, silent healing power. "I feel that the thing that's truly artistic is to love people." he said. However, I found his ardent love showed not only towards people but lands, nature, and both life and death. Due to his religious belief, paintings of death actually reveal peace and hope. Make sure you bring your soul before getting burned by his. Van Gogh is confusing and contagious, I'd say.
Observing each painting carefully from different angles, zooming in and out, for several minutes, I imagined Van Gogh painting before me, brushing and carving every inch of colors onto the work, releasing his innermost blazing emotions speak themselves and dance on the paintings. I stood there, trying to think and feel as Van Gogh did, how he observed his targets and their existence, how each painting was composed and colored...
His early works at first sight were just as some ordinary student's homework. But a closer look reveals his unique touch of solid straight lines resulting from a lack of formal training and also by his distinctive perceptions. The rebellious youth went to school for three month but quit because he couldn't fit in. However, school provided him with inspiration such as the Japanese block prints with firm silhouettes which inspired his later styles. "Painting is a faith, and it imposes the duty to disregard public opinion." The real Van Gogh found himself and transformed eventually into a butterfly, when he started to form his style from dots, to scratches to curls, curls we now refer to copyright of Van Gogh. One of the work showed edgy ravines so impressive that even if you close your eyes, you could still see them.
His life was presented before my eyes, his talents, mental illness, frustrations, struggles, and warmness all so crystal clear yet also complex and enigmatic. A wave of sympathy clenched my mind, as I read his saying "One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever comes to sit by it. Passersby see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on the way." Depressing and lonely as he was, his works often demonstrated two persons side by side. If it weren't for his brother's help, he wouldn't have the chance to produce such stunning works. No wonder he suicided after his dearest brother had to stop providing aid.
I was always fascinated by his magical colors and the spinning curling lines that infused his work with moves and life. While hospitalized in Asylum, Van Gogh produced hundreds of amazing work, all so lively and rational without any trace of mental disorder. His portraits were also intriguing. The artist observed and illustrated different expressions and moods in order to practice different styles of painting. The eyes that implied anxiety were unforgettable. But my favorite was the enchanting painting of "Country Road in Provence", in which a spinning huge star and beautiful moon shone brightly in the sky.The fire-like cypress grew high beyond the paper and along with the horizon to form a Cross-like composition, so stable that you feel ultimate peace just gazing at it. And suddenly you came to realize that this was one of his final works, before shooting himself in nearby grassland.
Vincent Van Gogh's extraordinary legend could never be fully demonstrated by a mere exhibition. Nevertheless, it gave me a chance to see the works with my own eyes and feel them with my own heart, to fully grasp the essence of his inspirations. "In life it is the same as in drawing--one must sometimes act quickly and decisively, attack a thing with energy, trace the outlines as quickly as lightning." so vigorously said by Van Gogh , who made his own life the best example by burning it with his love and struggle for genuine art...
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