CAPITAL’S BRUSH WITH VAN GOGH
Visitors enjoying the ‘Van Gogh Alive — The Experience’, a multi-sensory exhibition that has opened at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre. The exhibition, which celebrates one of the most famous artists in the world, will run until February 26, before moving on to Dubai’s Design District.
abu dhabi — A one-of-a-kind Vincent Van Gogh exhibition has opened its doors to the public in the Capital. The multi-sensory experience, which celebrates one of the most famous artists in the world, is “unlike any other exhibition ever held”, according to officials.
The ‘Van Gogh Alive — The Experience’, exhibition opened on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre and will last until 26 February, before moving on to the Dubai’s Design District. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness more than 3,000 artworks of Van Gogh and even his hand-written letters, all projected on 40 towering screens on the walls, ceilings and even the floors, while thrilling classical score fills the air.
Yasser Al Gergawi, head of cultural events department at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development (MCKD), said “art is a universal language — a bridge that has the power to bring people from all walks of life together”.
“The exhibition comes within the ministry’s strategy to promote the UAE’s position as an international culture and art hub, facilitating communication among various cultures.”
Al Gergawi pointed out that the ministry is also working on the stimulation of artistic awareness and acceptance, as well as preparing experienced and talented young nationals in the fields of art to develop the cultural renaissance within the country. “We are developing the cultural renaissance in the country, and inspiring Emirati artists and art lovers.”
There has been no exhibition like this in the UAE, according to Yousef Batook, managing partner of 6IX Degrees Entertainment. “Although his work has been shown around the world, it has never been shown in this manner. We’re expecting visitors to be blown away by this stimulating experience.”
Willemijin van Haaften, regional political envoy representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, said the exhibition allows visitors to not only enjoy Van Gogh’s artworks but also gives them the opportunity to understand the man himself. “Van Gogh is one of the most famous Dutch painters, and even though he belongs to the Netherlands, he belongs more to the world.
“I believe Van Gogh would have really loved this exhibition because it expresses art through vision and through music,” added Van Haaften.
Today, Van Gogh’s artworks are sold for millions of dollars around the world, although this was not the case during his lifetime, as he lived in poverty while battling severe depression.
The first day of the exhibition already saw success, as adults and children forged their own paths and found their own meaning, as they wandered through the galleries, exploring hidden nooks, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives.
But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them.