Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
I was extremely excited that I was going to see Beyond Van Gogh even though I knew very little of his life, but of course familiar with his Sunflower and Starry Night paintings – and of course that he cut his ear off.
Upon arriving at SEC Glasgow, we were greeted by fantastic staff who gave us directions; there were posters advertising the showing along the corridors and my favourite was the large distinctive sunflower stickers on the floor showing our way. This is the first time an Immersive Experience, Beyond Van Gogh has been shown in Scotland.
Entering the subdued lit, winding exhibition with huge boards giving a brief, but also detailed outline of his life and quotes taken from his letter writing mainly to his brother Theo. It did surprise me that such an art genius felt a total failure, yet the words he wrote are full of beauty, love of his surroundings but his mind was in turmoil.
This first part of the journey taking time to read, absorb and imagine what Van Gogh’s life was like, was informative and you need to take the time to reflect to learn. There were different sizes and shaped frames hanging down. I would have loved if these frames were positioned differently so that when taking photographs the frames could be utilised to frame the posters. especially the quotes.
This quote Van Gogh sent to his brother Theo, 21 July 1882 not only give us a glimpse into his extraordinary mind, but also is the question many of us ask: ‘What am I in the eyes of most people? A nonentity or an oddity or a disagreeable person – someone who has and will have no position in society, in short a little lower than the lowest. Very Well – assuming that everything is indeed like that, then through my work I’d like to show what there is in the heart of such an oddity, such a nobody.’ I will be pondering on this for some time as we live in an age of instantaneous that we have lost our way; whereas Van Gogh has given us his love, his eyes and mind, put onto canvas and in letters to show we all have beauty to pass onto another.
The main area of this show was a large room with projected images of his artwork, including a touch of his words. This filled the room with light, as images faded and new appeared all accompanied by music. It was strange to see some of the works animated, like the birds flying across the screens. Or the stars twinkling or even the freaky eye blinking.
Would I change anything? Yes. Even though the room is large and can accommodate a large group, it can be a bit distracting with people walking in front of you, and you doing the same. There is some seating within the main projection room, but not enough, maybe the use of large cushions or double side seats. Also, I wanted more above me, giving a truly 360 degrees showing. You want to spend time absorbing this visual masterpiece as it really wows your senses and brings old static pictures to life.
My advice would be to take your time, don’t rush through it as you will miss what I found important; this person had a beautiful challenging mind who gave us a glimpse of what we forget to see.
https://www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/beyond-van-gogh
Ticket Information:
Taking Place 11 JULY – 26 AUG 2024
Off Peak (Mon-Thur) £15.30 – £38.60
Peak (Fri – Sun) £18.75 – £45.40
(inc admin fee)
Ages 3 and below are free
Rating: 4.5/5