Walk into the starry night with Van Gogh in Dubai

Van Gogh Alive - The Experience, which gives visitors a glimpse of Vincent Van Gogh's artistry, at the Dubai Design District. - Photo by Dhes Handumon

After making waves around the world, Van Gogh Alive has finally made its way to Dubai.
Running for 44 days, until April 23, at Dubai's creative hub d3, the unique exhibition gives visitors more than a peek into the enduring legacy of artist Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter often considered amongst the most influential figures in Western art history.
As the name suggests, it brings to life Van Gogh's masterpieces, letting visitors experience the sensation of walking right into his paintings, with an interactive display. "What makes this exhibition different to a normal art gallery is that everything is moving. You will feel as if you are immersed in the paintings of Van Gogh," said Jessica Zuell, director of event company 6IX Degrees Entertainment, that's behind this unique digital exhibition along with Grande Exhibitions.
"We are showcasing more than 3,000 different images of Van Gogh in this digital art exhibition. We are using one of the most advanced screening systems and this beautiful exhibition has travelled all over the world including Shanghai, Berlin and Singapore before finally arriving in Dubai," she added.
Before committing suicide at 37 in 1890, Van Gogh created around 2,100 artworks - over 800 of them oil paintings including the now iconic The Starry Night.
A digital projection of the 1889 creation - which now resides safely in New York City's Museum of Modern Art - is the highlight of the multi-sensory exhibition event that takes one deep into Van Gogh's artistry and his eccentric world and mind. Another highlight is the Bedroom in Arles live exhibit, showcasing a replica of Van Gogh's actual room where much of his work was produced, including The Starry Night, which is supposed be the view he saw from his bedroom window.
"You don't have to be an art lover or an art aficionado to soak in the atmosphere and be overwhelmed, but being a massive fan of Van Gogh personally and having been to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam recently, this is an experience of a kind," said a visitor.
Set to a fitting classical score, the interactive display of over 3,000 inspirational images transforms the walls, ceilings and even floors into a surreal symphony of light, colour and sound, bringing the art genius truly alive to the viewers.
rahul@khaleejtimes.com
Venue: Dubai Design District
Price: Dh70 per adult
Dh65 (16 and under)
Dh65 with student card (any age)