While visiting Portland, Oregon, last week in the lull between Christmas and New Year’s, my sisters and I visited the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience exhibit currently visiting the Oregon Convention Center through February 12. I had heard from several friends and family members who have visited the exhibit in cities across the country (though some of them may have seen a different exhibit, Immersive Van Gogh) that it should not be missed, and I’m glad I heeded their advice.
Our tickets had a timed entry to avoid crowding, and masks were required and social distancing encouraged. Once inside we were invited to take all the time we wanted, and we could move ahead of others if we wished. The first part of the exhibit was a series of panels (projections on cloth screens) with Van Gogh’s works providing the background to some biographical information and quotes from both the artist and art critics. I appreciated the opportunity to be able to really get up close to see the brushstrokes and layers of color in the work. I found the information on the panels provided insight into the influences and technique of Van Gogh, preparing me to more fully appreciate the following parts of the exhibit.
The next space we entered was an entirely black room, and we faced a wall down which flowed a curtain of light, with the colors pooling and then spilling over two doorways cut into the wall, eventually spreading out over the floor on which we stood, as well. The streaks and dots sometimes coalesced gradually into self-portraits of Vincent, with his haunting, expressive eyes standing out from the abstract projections. It was mesmerizing, with no repetition to the images that I could detect for at least five minutes.
Eventually I passed through the doorways and down a short hall to where an immense, darkened exhibit space beckoned with glowing walls flowing with iconic images.
A soundtrack of a range of instrumental, symphonic music (I picked up Miles Davis, Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” and Don McLean’s “Vincent” — of course) played unobtrusively as we were immersed in the colors and patterns of the works which played over all the surfaces (including us). Sometimes a single work (such as “The Starry Night”) filled the entire room, but more often a series of different works covered the screens and floor, from Van Gogh’s flower portraits to self-portraits to land- and seascapes.
I’m not sure how it was done, but I came to realize that there was actual movement within some of the paintings. This was beyond merely one image fading into another, but, instead, I noticed that the smoke from a pipe in a self-portrait was actually slowly drifting up in the air, while in another, Vincent’s eyes blinked! In another painting, the waves shifted and gleamed in a harbor. The paintings really came alive, and though it could have been distracting, for me it really called my attention to how Vincent achieved that movement on his still canvas with the colors of his paint and the movement of his brush.
Sometimes the walls were filled with quotes from letters Vincent wrote to his brother, Theo, and the letters spilled all over the floor and us. Though most know the artist as a tortured, anguished man, these writings shared his hopes and his ideas about creativity and beauty, providing a broader picture of one who created so much beauty himself.
Eventually we realized that we were beginning to see images we had seen before, but it did not seem there was a straightforward loop that repeated but rather a reordering and remixing of individual parts. The producers of the exhibit say it takes about an hour to view, but I would suggest you give yourself more time to really allow yourself the pleasure of this immersive experience. It provided a truly soul-satisfying and sensual afternoon, and I came away with a greater understanding and appreciation of an artist and his works whom I thought I knew.
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 18, 2024Fort George Hotel & Spa Transforms Belize City from Gateway to Destination
Belize City is better known as a business center and a stop en route to Belize’s lush rural destinations, but Fort George Hotel & Spa promises to change things up and reframe the nation’s capital as a destination in its own right. Located in the city’s Fort George neighborhood, the hotel debuted as the first luxury hotel in Belize City, boasting sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, expansive guestrooms and an inspiring wellness program. The hotel also features a branded fitness center, plunge pool and K’IN Spa.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Explore the Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ New SKY Gurus
Have you ever looked up at the sky and questioned the mysteries of the universe? For travelers looking to learn more about the stars and their secrets, head to SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Exclusive Golf and Tennis Itineraries from Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours recently announced a limited series of luxury itineraries centered on golf and tennis, including world-famous events like Wimbledon.
Bhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Amansara Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Daily
Apr 17, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Calling all bird lovers! Make for Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa in Mendocino, California, and book the all-new Birder’s Delight offer. Designed for nature enthusiasts, this offer takes two guests on a guided birdwatching excursion.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
On Feb. 24, American Airlines launched a new, nonstop flight (AA4407) to the Caribbean Riviera. To celebrate the new flight, Sandals and Beaches Resorts launched the Love and Let Fly offer, honoring both spring and a stronger connection between the Caribbean and U.S. travelers.
ShareThis