After traveling internationally, the Van Gogh Exhibition has arrived in Winston-Salem. Bringing with it a unique and immersive experience, curated for everyone, art lover or not. The exhibit is intended to bring Van Gogh’s art to life, creating a different, more interactive version of the standard art showcase. On average, it takes around an hour and a half to fully explore the display and see everything.
The showcase’s main focus is how it allows patrons to learn more about the art Van Gogh created and him as a person. It has detailed descriptions of his art, interactive photo opportunities and recreations of some of his most famous pieces. The most prominent attraction, the 360° room, has his art and quotes from him on every wall in a video form. The VIP Virtual Reality (VR) experience takes you through a world made of his art and tells you the story behind some of his paintings.
“The experience with the projectors and music animated the art. It was relaxing and enjoyable to sit and take it all in. It was nice to get away from the ‘noise’ in the daily routines of life,” art teacher Elizabeth Betson said.
After viewing the main installments, you can get unique and exclusive Van Gogh merchandise, ranging from biographies about his life, to art prints, apparel and collectibles. Attendees of the experience generally agreed that it was great, describing it as enlightening. It provided a new perspective on Van Gogh, his work and his life for many.
“I admire the work and life of Van Gogh and studied him extensively in college. He is one of my favorite artists and to experience his work in a different way was very captivating and interesting. Many of my students attended and really enjoyed the show and the immersive experience,” Betson said.
Other visitors had their own experiences with friends, making them enjoy the display with the company of their peers.
“Going to this experience, especially with my friends was fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive room, and the vast amount of stuff that was there,” junior Ashlyn Spolyer said.
Whether you’re a long-term Van Gogh admirer or it’s your first time learning about him, this exhibit provides a unique opportunity for all. It can also provide a way to learn more about this artist through an interactive experience. Feel free to explore and bring some friends along for the ride.
