Van Gogh: Past Present & Future

The other day I visited the grandeur of The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square housing some of the most archetypal works from history’s most prominent artists. When one walks in you are greeted by the absolutely stunning interior design and splendid decor that garnishes the enormous halls of brilliant artwork.

I tentatively yet excitedly approach the first hall and my feet walk across the mosaic flooring with the word “compassion” cast out below me. I am ready…

I gradually make my way to the Dutch artists hall and behold one of Van Gogh’s most iconic pieces- Sunflowers. His unique, subtle and almost surreal style is what I had hoped for. Golds and yellows absolutely dance within the swirling strokes of paint. I share a smile with on-lookers beside me. We know, we recognise, we absorb history.

After sunbathing in the sunlit tones of Van Gogh’s sunflowers I decided to muster up the energy to embark on a journey to see his digital immersive experience on Commercial Road, East London.

I am early for my ticket but the lady at the door grins, pulls back the curtains and says it’s ok to go in. As my ticket is scanned I grow keen to view the delights that behold me in forms of digital augmented reality.

Through a maze-like exhibition, his works surprise and impose themselves on you. With plenty of prints and information one is not lost completely, at least not in terms of knowledge about his life and career. The digital visuals are definitely worth the journey, but sadly not the price. Yes the exhibit does what is says on the tin, yet the soul of the pieces is unashamedly distorted, even vanished.

I hungrily peer through the final curtain which holds the exhibit’s piece de resistance. The immersive room. Well now this is something, the swirly forest encapsulated the audience and the dark sky dotted with stars is what many have come to see and many stay and sit on deck chairs in this room to absorb, just like we absorbed the real thing in The National Gallery. The music is however terrible, and makes one want to cut their ear off. Overall I am glad i’m here. I’m glad I made the effort to travel. I’m not glad I paid what I did.