Beyond Van Gogh

If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a painting by one of the great art masters, now until August 5th, you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit. This international presentation brings to life the story and works of one of the most lauded artists in history. 

For those in the Tampa Bay area, the exhibition is in Sarasota behind the University Town Center by Dillards. It is a collaborative effort between Paquin Entertainment Group and Montréal’s Normal Studio. 

This is an eerie yet mesmerizing experience in which you view over 300 creations by Vincent van Gogh, the artist known not only for his colorful post-impressionistic pieces but his tragically tortured life.

The dazzling light projections are set to music such as Vincent by Don McClean and Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison as well as other classical works. Views run the perimeter of the 50,000 square-foot room, several tall towers, and the floor of the hall. The room morphs from a black shell to a flowing river of images flooding the walls from end to end. The content is composed of over 4 trillion pixels, creating the largest high-resolution immersive experience in the country. 

Stop in on a Saturday where local instructors from CircuSoul Yoga guide you through a unique session of art and movement in the immersive room, set to the exhibit’s symphonic score.

The genius of van Gogh’s work and the vibrancy of his palate can be seen even at the entrance of the exhibit. Cascading colors flow down the ceiling to the doors and the floor leading you through the show.

The art doesn’t stop in the serene setting of the exhibition room. Wander out the exit to the gift shop where you can take a little of Vincent home with you. Anything from actual art prints to t-shirts to glasses and totes. I like to think that van Gogh would be pleased with the continuous adoration centuries after he painted some of the most influential works in history.

The Life of Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh’s life was one of trial and error, realization, and discovery. He was close to his younger brother Theo; the pair traded many letters during their separation. Both brothers began their careers with the international art firm, Goupil & Cie. In 1869, Vincent was employed at the Hague with Theo going to Brussels in 1873. 

“I’m glad that we’re both working for the same firm now. (...) You must in any case go to the museum often, it’s good to be acquainted with the old painters, too, and if you get the chance read about art, and especially magazines about art…”

- Vincent to Theo from The Hague, 19 November 1873

Though the brothers shared a bond, their success in life was not comparable. Theo was enjoying a budding career with Goupil & Cie while Vincent was struggling to apply himself, eventually leading to his dismissal in 1876. 

“-do let’s continue to support each other and to seek brotherly love.”

- Vincent to Theo from Dordrecht, 22–23 April 1877

Hoping that religion would take a place in his life as it did for his father, Vincent volunteered to be a pastor in a small mining village in southwestern Belgium at the *age of 25. He left Belgium two years later, no longer a pastor but a striving artist thriving on his younger brother’s advice. 

“My dear Theo, Don’t be cross with me that I’ve come all of a sudden. I’ve thought about it so much and I think we’ll save time this way. Will be at the Louvre from midday, or earlier if you like. A reply, please, to let me know when you could come to the Salle Carrée.”

- Vincent to Theo from Paris, on or about 28 February 1886

In 1886, van Gogh traveled to Paris to live with Theo, who by now had assumed the role of ‘wise older brother’. Shortly after his arrival, Vincent began studying under French painter Fernand Cormon. A few months later, the van Gogh brothers moved to Rue Lepic in the foothills of Montmarte where Vincent found peace and a studio to work. 

By 1888, van Gogh grew tired of the city, leaving Paris and his brother behind for the warm embrace of the South of France. This was the place where he envisioned the establishment of an artists’ colony. In his perfect world, they would have lived and worked alongside one another in the “Yellow House” in Arles. 

‘So Gauguin’s coming; that will make a big change in your life. I hope that your efforts will succeed in making your house a place where artists will feel at home.’

- Theo to Vincent from Paris, 19 October 1888

In an act of brotherly love, Theo wrote to Paul Gauguin asking that he spend time with Vincent. Sadly, Gaugin was the only one to join van Gogh in the “Yellow House” and his dream was never realized to its full potential. After a disagreement with Gaugin, van Gogh’s mental illness manifested in full and he disassociated, using a blade to cut off part of his left ear. Gaugin wrote to Theo who took the overnight train to be with his brother in Arles. Vincent was hospitalized and treated for his wounded ear. For fear that he would have another episode, van Gogh voluntarily committed himself. 

From 1889 to 1890, van Gogh was a patient at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, a psychiatric hospital in Saint-Rémy. Despite his declining health, this year was one of his most productive, with 150 paintings being produced including Almond Blossom.

Following his year at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and in the months leading up to his suicide, van Gogh’s letters often mentioned death. In comparison to his brother’s ambitions and advantageous lifestyle, van Gogh’s conviction was waning along with his health. Vincent was entirely reliant on Theo financially and while we will likely never know the true reason, it’s speculated an accumulation of factors including his mental health and fleeting luck led van Gogh to take his own life. 

To learn more about Vicent van Gogh and his works, visit an exhibit near you.