By: Maeve McCann | Staff Writer
With ever-advancing technology, digital art has become something we engage with on an everyday basis. While we have traditionally appreciated classic art from a distance, “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” combines the experience of classic museums with the capabilities of technology. With floor-to-ceiling screens, the projections provide a sense of virtual reality, as if you are stepping right into a painting.
Walking into the door, guests are greeted with beautiful classical music and dim lighting, setting the scene for the experience ahead. Before you are led into the exhibit, there is a series of cards that you can read to learn more about who Van Gogh was. He was a man who lived a life of mild insanity and many of his works were created within the four walls of the asylum. Many may remember him as the artist who cut off his own ear. Learning about the artist before stepping into the exhibit generates a higher appreciation for the art to be viewed in the next rooms.
The last couple of cards inform visitors of the people behind the magic: the curators of the art, the lighting technicians, and art historians who all worked together to make it possible. It is clear that those who had worked so hard on this large project cared about education as well as providing a memorable immersive experience. Stepping into the world they curated, the works of art are displayed captivatingly and the music provides a sense of comfort. The music is reminiscent of the 19th century and features artists like Beethoven. The experience includes a slideshow of Van Gogh drawings, paintings, and photos, all displayed upon the enormous screens.
The experience lasts for an hour, although you are welcomed to stay as long as you’d like (tempting, given that time seems to slow down within the experience and the ambience is so calming). It is a place that invites soaking it all in and being fully present in that moment. There are benches provided and plenty of space to walk around to get a full view of the whole exhibit. From “Starry Night” to his self portraits, his works are presented beautifully across the room.
This exhibit has traveled to many cities in the United States, and is making its way across other countries. Most recently it has been announced the exhibit will be coming to Providence, Rhode Island. Now showing at the Rhode Island Convention Center, this is a great opportunity for Salve students to explore this exhibit for themselves. Although there is no student discount, regular tickets sell for $39.99 and can be found here. Not only does it make for a great Instagram picture, but it is an engaging educational experience on this artist and his extraordinary art.
