Van Gogh’s Immersive Palette: A Sensory Journey

In the heart of the “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise” exhibition, a remarkable and immersive experience awaits art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. From 9:40 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. (with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays), you can step into the vivid world of Vincent van Gogh’s palette, offering a unique perspective on the artist’s techniques, use of colors, and impasto style.

Marguerite’s Journey

The journey begins in Doctor Gachet’s drawing room in Auvers-sur-Oise, where you’ll encounter the enchanting portrait of Marguerite Gachet, painted by Van Gogh. Atop a table, a paint-smeared palette sets the stage for your adventure. As you delve into Marguerite’s memories, you’ll embark on an interactive, animated exploration of four iconic paintings from Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise period.

Van Gogh, famously known for his vibrant color palette, is brought to life in a multi-sensory creation. To recreate his palette in 3D, the creators employed high-definition photogrammetry, capturing the physicality of the paint as it was meticulously applied by brushstrokes. Every tiny variation in color is faithfully represented, ensuring an authentic experience.

Guided by “The Kingfisher”

Guiding you through this immersive landscape is none other than Van Gogh’s masterpiece, “The Kingfisher,” housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The bird’s flight directs users to different areas of the palette, inviting interaction with various objects. It’s a captivating dance between art and technology.

Immerse yourself further into Van Gogh’s world by engaging with his pictorial materials in a highly sensory manner. This encounter is not limited to your visual senses alone; your entire body becomes an active participant. The creators have developed three types of interaction: distortion, colors, and brushstrokes. Through these interactions, gain an intimate understanding of the artist’s process.

The Soundtrack of Inspiration

What’s an immersive experience without the right soundtrack? As you navigate Van Gogh’s palette, the air is filled with the hauntingly beautiful piano notes of Liszt’s transcriptions of Wagner’s operas, music that Van Gogh himself greatly admired. The melodies have been skillfully reworked, incorporating slow motion and fast forward effects, mirroring the artist’s sense of timelessness and detachment from reality while he painted his masterpieces.

Monsieur Vincent, as Van Gogh was often called, had an insatiable appetite for paint. He voraciously consumed an incredible number of tubes of red, green, and Prussian blue paint. His persistent complaints about never having enough paint only add to the mystique of his artistic genius. This immersive experience allows you to step into the shoes of an artist consumed by color and creativity.

A World Unlike Any Other

In the realm of Van Gogh’s palette, the boundary between art and reality blurs. You’re no longer a passive observer; you’re an active participant, exploring the nuances of his work like never before. It’s a sensory journey that transcends time and place, offering a profound connection to the mind of a brilliant artist.

Van Gogh’s Palette, a remarkable interactive experience within the “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise” exhibition, offers art enthusiasts a chance to step into the world of a creative genius. Through meticulous 3D replication of Van Gogh’s palette, guided by “The Kingfisher,” and enhanced with sensory interactions and a mesmerizing soundtrack, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the artist’s techniques and his extraordinary relationship with color. It’s a journey that invites you to explore the vivid landscape of Van Gogh’s imagination, one brushstroke at a time.