Let’s immerse in the art world of Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh’s art has transcended generations, captivating art lovers worldwide with its bold colors and expressive brushstrokes. Now, the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience has come to Chennai, offering a fresh encounter with the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter’s masterpieces.
This curated exhibition showcases around 200 paintings, including iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, in a whole new light. Through innovative technology, viewers are transported into Van Gogh’s world, where every brushstroke and color comes to life with unprecedented clarity.
The idea to bring The Real Van Gogh stemmed from its overwhelming global success, and Chitravathi Centre for Creativity (CCC) used the first opportunity to take the students to this unique visual experience.

The students from CCC, who enthusiastically enjoyed the show, said they were thoroughly impressed by the immersive experience. “As an art enthusiast, I was deeply moved by the exhibition. One particular room that stood out to me was the center of all the sparking dreams,” said Logapriya A K, a student in the 9th grade from The Velammal International School, Ponneri. The 360-degree room was also impressive, with its collection of pictures, drawings, and other perspectives from an artist who did all his artwork in an asylum, she said. “Reading his life story was truly motivational, as the artist remains an interesting and inspiring figure in my life, though not famous in his time.” The artist’s words, “My best friend is the postman,” continue to resonate in her mind, says the young student.
This is the feeling of most of the students. “The show took us on a mesmerizing journey through Van Gogh’s life and work, offering a unique and engaging way to paint like that,” said Uma, from the 6th grade of TVIS. The students were briefed about the life and art of Van Gogh by the teachers who took them to the all-new visual experience.

Where art meets technology
The exhibition merges technology, theatrical storytelling, and animation, creating a unique and engaging experience. With 20k high-resolution projectors and 10,000+ square feet of projections, visitors find themselves immersed in Van Gogh’s art like never before.
One of the highlights of the exhibit is the use of 20,000 lumens projectors, which bring out the vivid colors and bold brushstrokes that define Van Gogh’s style. By animating his paintings and weaving a narrative, viewers gain insight into the artist’s emotions and struggles.

The exhibition vividly transported visitors into the world of the Dutch Post-Impressionist artist. Exploring the artist’s memories and personal journey became an especially fascinating aspect of the visit, said Vrinda Venugopal from CCC who accompanied the students. “Upon viewing the display, one is transported within the painting, experiencing the vibrant and familiar canvases, including Starry Nights and The Potato Eaters, that offer a glimpse into the life and times of the esteemed post-Impressionist artist,” she said. It was a great experience, said Jinson Joseph. “Apart from paintings, the show shed light on the life and struggles of Van Gogh and also his friendship with postmaster Roulin, and unwavering support from his brother Theo Gogh,” he said, adding that this emotional depth is evident in his paintings, making them very relatable and impactful.

Step inside the painting
The immersive nature of the exhibit goes beyond traditional museum displays. It allows visitors to step inside the paintings, experiencing the artist’s world firsthand. From the swirling skies of Starry Night to the vibrant hues of sunflowers, each canvas tells a story of hope, longing, and resilience.
Vincent van Gogh’s unique style, emotional approach to color, depth, movement, and tactile qualities he imparted to his works can be seen in his paintings ranging from Starry Night, Cypress, Red Vineyard, and Almond Blossom,” said Saritha, another team member from CCC. Images such as Potato Eaters convey a deep attachment to the landscape, capturing the essence of the human spirit and conveying the character and emotions of the people, were seen up close in the show, she said.
The exhibition not only celebrates Van Gogh’s artistic genius but also offers a glimpse into his life and times. Through spatially interactive displays and insightful commentary, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the man behind the masterpieces.

According to Upayan Bardhan, a senior faculty member at CCC, the show was a great opportunity for young minds to have a sneak peek into the celebrated artist’s life and journey. “As the show evolved, I experienced an emotional transition in our children as they became calmer and more mindful to become empathetic with the artist’s journey. Being an artist, my dream is to experience the brushstrokes in person from the canvases, but as technology allows us the graphic brushstrokes in such enlarged sizes accompanied with high resolution, they are sure to leave an impression on the viewers,” he said, adding that as an educator, he appreciated this event and the effort put together to make this experience accessible for the larger non-artistic community.

For art lovers of all ages, the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience is a must-see. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this exhibition promises to inspire, educate, and delight, literally making you breathe and live within the painting. Such is the magic of Van Gogh’s art, brought to life in this groundbreaking exhibition.
In a world where art is often confined to museum walls, the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience breaks free, inviting everyone to engage with creativity in a whole new way. Don’t miss your chance to step into Van Gogh’s world and experience the magic for yourself.