Beyond Van Gogh : The Immersive Art Experience

Earlier this year...

…I had the wonderful opportunity to view the Immersive Art Experience of Beyond Van Gogh which consists in 360° wall projections of Vincent’s famous artworks and letters to his brother Theo.

Being a long time admirer of Van Gogh’s paintings and life story, viewing the works that have enchanted my eyes many times before in such a large scale was truly beyond… immersive and impressive.

I’ve been moved to tears many times through the show, especially during emotional visual moments accompanied by a carefully selected soundtrack. Art always has this impact on me…

Van Gogh Embracing Freedom
Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation
Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation
Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation

Occupying over 500,000 square feet, and showcasing over 300 of Vincent’s artworks, Beyond Van Gogh was the largest immersive experience in United States at the time of the exhibit.

The exhibit is designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi, with soundtrack by Luca Longobardi, who both pioneered immersive digital art experiences in France.

I enjoyed the “static” room before the actual projection room, where a blend of wooden art frames, panels of quotes and life size facts about Van Gogh were introducing the visitors to Vincent’s genius and also preparing them for the immersive show.

One of the songs I loved a lot from the experience:

The paintings were projected not only on the walls, but on the floor as well, and brought to life through animations and motion graphics.

Of course, I would’ve liked to be possible for the animation and sound to react to my movements as I was walking through the large hall, but I can imagine that would’ve not only been hard to implement, but also difficult concept wise (also from the standpoint of a possible chaos of children running around the entire exhibition 😅).

Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation

In a way the exhibition reminded me a lot of the movie “Loving Vincent” which is one of my all-time favorite movies, not only because it is about an artist, but because it is a work of art itself. “Loving Vincent” is the first fully hand painted movie, featuring over 125 artists, and an even more heartfelt soundtrack (composed by Clint Mansell) than Beyond Van Gogh.

Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that brought me even closer to the art of the already loved painter. The next experience on my bucket list is Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, to finally see some of his art in original.

Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation
Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Art Experience and Installation
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klangwelt
klangwelt
Hey there, I'm Andreea (aka Klangwelt)! I'm a creative director, artist, visual designer, and musician/DJ. My biggest passions are music and art, and I enjoy being immersed in culture. I run the underground art collective KlangCollective. I make music under the name Klangdefekt.