#28 Van Gogh

DFW is currently hosting the Van Gogh Immersive Experience.  Luckily, I have a great group of friends who enjoy doing fun things like this, so we headed over to the old Ranger Ballpark to experience the art of Van Gogh in a totally new and different way.

It's not unlike a museum in the sense that art is grouped together by some kind of theme and placards give a bit of background on the artist or the work of art.  What makes this different is that the art isn't the originals and while many of the reproductions were on canvases, much of the art was digital.  I am really wanting to describe the experience to you, but I'm struggling because it is truly immersive and experiential.  Like, you just have got to go do it to really understand.  

My favorite part was the room that was an entire 360 degree projection.  Floor to ceiling covered in constantly changing projections of Van Gogh's work.  This was the bulk of our time, about 20 minutes, listening to some narration and music while all of these gorgeous works surrounded us.  We decided that all workplaces and schools needed a room like this for relaxation.

     

   

We also did the VR option which took us through the French countryside, letting us see 19th century France the way Van Gogh must have seen it as he painted.  That was probably one of the most interesting aspects.  Van Gogh, of course, had mental health issues.  So to hear someone narrating his thoughts, "walking" through the countryside, seeing things as Van Gogh must have seen things really gave you some insight into how Van Gogh created.  Just a really neat experience.

I do think this is a really wonderful family outing, especially if you are looking to expose kids to art, but you don't feel the traditional museum will hold their attention.  The Van Gogh Immersive Experience will absolutely pique the interest of kids (& adults) who may otherwise not visit a museum or gallery.