Abu Dhabi: Residents in the capital can now literally walk straight into Van Gogh’s paintings — a famous travelling exhibition that showcases the Dutch master’s works in a multimedia format is on display at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre.
The exhibition, titled Van Gogh Alive, allows visitors to experience more than 2,000 of the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter’s works, which are projected in high definition, and often in a magnified format, onto the exhibition space’s walls, floor and ceiling. Accompanying these is a specially selected classical music score.
At a press conference held on Monday, Yasser Al Gergawi, head of cultural events at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, said the exhibition stresses the UAE’s position as an international hub for culture and art.
“Art is universal language that brings people together, and this exhibition will therefore facilitate communication among various cultures. We at the Ministry are currently working on the stimulation of artistic awareness and acceptance, as well as preparing experienced and talented young Emiratis in art to develop the cultural renaissance within the country,” Al Gergawi said.
The exhibition kicked off yesterday, and will be available until February 26 in the Capital. Following this, it will move to the Dubai Design District where it will be accessible from March 11 to April 23.
It is being organised in collaboration with international artist agency, 6IX Degrees Entertainment.
During his lifetime, Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) produced more than 2,000 works of art, including 860 oil paintings. The Van Gogh Alive exhibition explores his life and experiences during 1880 to 1890, when he created many of his timeless masterpieces.
The larger-than-life projection of paintings and images at the exhibition will allow visitors to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s perceptions and inspirations, as well as the detail in his pieces. They can also visit a scale room of the artist’s work bedroom in the French city of Arles.
Van Gogh Alive has previously toured a number of cities around the world, including Athens, Rome, Shanghai, Ankara and Milan.
Van Gogh Alive
Abu Dhabi National Theatre
January 14 – February 26
Dh70 for adults
Dh65 for children up to 16 years (must present student card)
Tickets can be purchased through Platinum List, Virgin megastore and Dubai Calendar app
