Broad Strokes

Niamh O’Reilly steps inside the distinctive brushstrokes of Vincent Van Gogh at the immersive exhibition running at Dublin’s RDS

Can the work of a classic artist really be improved upon with the addition of technology? Classic art is such for a reason and it’s why thousands of people queue up to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or the Mona Lisa every year. Would the addition of even the most sophisticated technology be nothing more than a gimmick?

I had my suspicions, but decided to go along to Van Gogh Dublin - An Immersive Journey with my five-year-old son to find out.

There can be no doubt that there are few artists more suited to such an interactive re-interpretation than Vincent Van Gogh.

The Dutch born post-impressionist painter, whose most famous works include, Starry Night and Sunflowers display those incredibly bold strokes of colour and his unmistakable trademark style, that is reminiscent of a dream. This immersive exhibition projects his paintings onto a 360-degree multi-sensory audio-visual experience. It even goes so far as to use artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies to predict how the works of art would have evolved and transformed over time.

And by immersive, they mean it. The show is projected on floor-to-ceiling screens and is loud. As we snuck in five minutes late (little legs take their time after all) myself and my son found a space in the centre of the room and he sat down in my lap, eyes agog. The room went dark and for a moment he froze. Then, the screens suddenly lit up with what looked like a train, rushing along at high speed all around us in the brushstrokes of Van Gogh, the sounds reverberating through his little chest. “Wow” he said, eyes wide, completely transfixed by what he was seeing.

The experience is presented in four parts. The first three take place inside the 360-degree screens of the main hall, as audio-visual stories. Visitors literally dive into his subconsciousness and witness the early years of his career. We chase the sun with him to the South of France, where he paints many of his signature works. Petals swim by on the floor around you and the paintings merge from one to another in a seamless series of beautiful transitions that look like you’re sitting inside a dream.

Van Gogh had lifelong struggles with his mental health, and one can’t help but feel the range of emotions as the paintings are brought to life. Painting no doubt had a healing effect for him, but it also allowed him to express himself fully. Darkness, light, calm and disorder. All of it plays out to a sumptuous score of music perfectly chosen to accompany the unfolding images.

The second and third presentations, called ‘Everything’ and ‘A Photon’s Journey in the Eye’ were less about Van Gogh and more about musings on science and inspiration. These were less appealing to be honest and the first was without a doubt the standout of the entire experience.

The final part, the infinity room is relatively short, only lasting around 45 seconds, and is simply a room cleverly decked out with lights and mirrors, but the effect is entertaining.

Overall, it’s an art experience like no other, and for me it’s something that compliments the classic work rather than takes from it or even replaces it. I’d highly recommend it for all ages, young and old. It is definitely one to bring children and grandchildren to over the summer.

Although, I fear my five-year-old might think all art exhibitions will be as exciting as this one.

Van Gogh Dublin – An Immersive Journey runs at the RDS, until August 4.

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