Review by Carrie Oreskovich
A quote by Jean-Michel Basquiat was shared with me recently and it resonated: “Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” The lack of art and music and the sharing of these two things with others has been one of the things I’ve missed the most during this period of shutdown. There have of course been many virtual events and opportunities to continue to support the arts from our couches, but there really is something special about shared experiences. The IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH exhibit is a must-see to bring back a little bit of that in-person magic.
From the originators of the Parisian Atelier des Lumiere exhibition, the world premiere of IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH craftily combines art, music, and movement, bringing you directly into the heart of some of Van Gogh’s most stunning works of art. Think sunflowers, starry nights, Parisian cafés, and insane asylums, accompanied by a gorgeous soundtrack to match as each new painting oozes to life, bleeds into the next, and snakes around the cavernous room, morphing into different shapes. It is visual poetry. A new way to experience the art. This iteration of the immersive exhibit, being showcased for the first time from 1 Yonge Street, is an emotional narrative that takes you through the phases of Van Gogh’s artistic journey and life.
The music is a large part of the overtaking of your senses, from Edith Piaf’s emotional belting of “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” to well known classical pieces. Vibrant colours fill virtually every square inch of the room so that you really are in the middle of it all. The paintings awake from their frozen spot in history and flowers bloom before your eyes, people come to life, stars appear, and twinkle above a rolling landscape. Each “showing” lasts just over 30 minutes and apparently, you can stay for as many viewings as you like. We came midway through and stayed for the next showing. Your eye will pick up something new each time around, there’s so much to take in. Somewhat psychedelic, moving, and beautiful, it’s a wonderful vacation for the mind.
You can walk through or park yourself smack dab in the middle of a socially distanced circle. Limited chairs were available on my visit, and seat cushions could be rented or purchased with some of the VIP packages. You can also change up your viewpoint by climbing to a platform in the middle of the room and seeing it all from above. Or even buy a ticket for a drive-through version of the experience. Double check their website for any COVID related updates.
IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH has been able to employ 200 staff from the industry, a good news story during these challenging times. The gift shop contains an impressive array of souvenirs for those who fall in love once again with Van Gogh’s rich brushstrokes and bright canvases.
The exhibit has been extended through January 3, 2021. General admission tickets start at $39.99 and can be found at vangoghexhibit.ca/
