Van Gogh Alive - The Experience.

Back in 2016, on our second winter in Korea, Yue and I had the chance to visit the Van Gogh Cafe at Lotte World Mall in Seoul. It's the world's first official cafe affiliated with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the closest we've ever been to Van Gogh's works. The cafe showcases replica of Van Gogh's masterpieces, around 700 of them, as well as various relics such as Van Gogh's tobacco pipe and letters to his brother, Theo. Yue developed an interest for Vincent van Gogh and his artwork during our brief stay at the cafe, especially with Van Gogh's self-portraits.

Fast forward to October 2019, when news broke out that Van Gogh Alive is coming to Manila. As soon as we heard the news and saw teaser videos of Van Gogh Alive, we made plans to see the show during the semestral break. I booked tickets as soon as they were available online, and luckily, I was able to secure slots on October 29 for my mom squad and I, and our kids.

We went to see Van Gogh Alive!

Squad goals! :)

Van Gogh Alive is a one-of-a-kind exhibition. It's a multi-sensory experience which gives viewers the unique opportunity to experience Van Gogh's artistry through sight and sound.

He was literally the first in line and the first to enter the 12:30 pm exhibition that day. 

Selfie while waiting for the door to open. :)

More of Van Gogh's masterpieces after the jump!

Upon entering the exhibit area, you'll be greeted by various artworks such as the life-size, 3-dimensional rendering of Vincent's Bedroom in Arles.

Yue in Vincent's Bedroom in Arles.

They say there's a story behind every masterpiece, and you can read these stories before you enter the exhibition proper.

See? He's still very much fascinated with Van Gogh's self-portraits.

Or you can take inspiration from Van Gogh's quotes, and his more popular artworks such as The Sunflower and Starry Night.

The sunflower is mine in a way. - Vincent Van Gogh

I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream. - Vincent Van Gogh

As for the exhibition itself, Van Gogh Alive runs on SENSORY4, a state-of-the-art technology developed by Grande Exhibitions. This unique system combines multi-channel motion graphics, cinema-quality surround sound, and up to 40 high-definition projectors to create an engaging, full-spectrum exhibition environment like no other.

Vincent's signature and his letters to Theo.

You'll get to see over 3000 images accompanied by a musical score that echoes the experiences of Van Gogh and the emotion conveyed in his artworks. The exhibition features several 'movements' or chapters which depict Van Gogh's artistic journey, the landscape and the people that inspire him, and the changes in his artistic style which reflect the underlying changes in his state of mind.

The first of several movements. Each movement starts with something like this.

You'll also see excerpts from Vincent's letters to his brother Theo, which give us a deeper insight into the life of a painter and the struggles of an artist.

Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all. - Vincent Van Gogh

The only time I feel alive is when I'm painting. - Vincent Van Gogh

You can walk around and take photos and videos during the exhibition, but the best way to enjoy the experience is to sit down, watch the show, and just bask in the moment. The show runs for 45 minutes, so you can actually watch it twice during your 90-minute time slot.

Portrait of Joseph Roulin, 1889.

Yue and Thomas mesmerized by the portraits.

Self-portrait, 1887.

It's a hauntingly beautiful experience, the kind that pierces your soul and engulfs your being. I'd watch this thing again in a heartbeat, given another chance. :)

Bedroom in Arles, 1888.

The Starry Night, 1889.

Bowl with Peonies and Roses, 1886.

Vase with Twelve Sunflowers, 1888.

Almond Blossoms, 1890.

Japonaiserie: Flowering Plum Tree, 1887.

Wheatfield with Crows, 1890.

Van Gogh Alive will run from October 26 to December 8, 2019. Tickets are Php 750 for adults and Php 450 for students up to college. You can purchase tickets through the Van Gogh Alive website, or onsite at The Mind Museum and One Bonifacio High Street.


Van Gogh Alive - The Experience

4th floor, One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 
02-7909-6467