Today marks the 170th anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh's birth, and as a Dutchman, I can't help but reflect on his life and work. Growing up, I was surrounded by popular Van Gogh images: the sunflowers, the starry night, and self-portraits. They were everywhere, on calendars, postcards, and even on mugs. It made it a challenge to appreciate the brilliance of his work beyond its commercialization.
A very personal writing of the profound impact Vincent Van Gogh has had on your life.
As you’ve detailed your history of chasing Vincent and developing a deep understanding of this very complicated and tortured human, he has inspired you in a multitude of ways.
Of course you would need to pay tribute to him in a wonderful article. I can imagine the thoughts and memories that played in your mind as you plumbed your reflections of how Vincent was always a part of your life. From early memories with your father and in your youth and how he fostered new interests as the years went by. I have only seen Vincent’s works at the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay and feel privileged for those opportunities. You, on the other hand, have a personal relationship with this Master and the masterpieces he created but never lived to see his appreciation.
This quote is testament to how he has influenced you and continues to do so: “And while we may never fully understand the impact of our work, we can take comfort in knowing that our imagination, talks, writings, photography, or other contributions have the power to touch the lives of others, just as Van Gogh's has touched mine.” Thank you to Vincent and to you.
Beautifully written again. I love your mind's wandering and connecting history to personal life and experience. And I enjoy your love for the arts. Excellent.
Wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing your very personal journey through van Gogh's life.
I remember going to an immersive van Gogh art exhibit in Zurich in February 2020. Wheatfield with Crows was animated to music in a way that there was a gunshot that made all the crows fly away suddenly. I can't tell you what a profound impact this moment had on me back then. Life changing.
We can't go back to thank Vincent but we can appreciate people's work and creativity every day. There's so much of it around us.
Evelyn, I experienced the Van Gogh immersive in Los Angeles and vividly recall the moment when the gun caused the crows to scatter in the winds. It was a profound moment. I loved being enveloped in Vincent’s world. The Immersive was an extraordinary awesome experience. The first time I was enthralled as I experienced. The second time i told a series of profound images. I Afterwards, I connected with the music composer/director on Twitter (those were the days!) IMO, Van Gogh is about FEELING not Thinking. As is Beethoven.
Alex, thanks for sharing your feelings and love of this simple complex beautiful soul.
I went a second time as well (they extended the exhibition because of the lockdown). I just sat down in the middle of the room and let myself be completely enveloped.
I've been to a few others (Klimt, Frieda Kahlo, Monet's Gardens) - all great, but Van Gogh was my favorite.
I meant I “took” photos during the second time! I’ve been to the Kahlo and Klimt but both paled compared to the VanGogh. There was a piece of very poignant music during another moment. I can’t recall it right now. I love when music, visual images take one on a wondrous journey.
Your life long study, admiration and connection to Van Gogh is clearly stated. This is a very personal story of rising to great heights in creativity in your own life, perhaps without the element of extreme adversity. You continue to follow a very goal driven path with what seems like a pattern evolved over years of practice, a routine that works for you to get the most satisfaction and achievement that you possibly can very effectively. You likewise connect to your followers closely and give a vision of hope and reason to the times in which we are living, a half million or so? You never fail to speak the truth as you see it without fear of criticism or harm; that is so very admirable and courageous. A life so well lived and with more than thirty years to expand your wisdom while sharing your journey. May it continue to bring you satisfaction and joy! 😊🌍🕊️
My first visit to the Van Gogh wasn't until the early 1980s; I can't count how many times I've been since. I loved it then (the original structure) and I love the new space. I hope to squeeze in another visit when I go up in a couple weeks for the Vermeer exhibition.
This personal expansive tribute explains a lot about the painter and your life long admiration I find justified in his varied and gorgeous paintings.
A very personal writing of the profound impact Vincent Van Gogh has had on your life.
As you’ve detailed your history of chasing Vincent and developing a deep understanding of this very complicated and tortured human, he has inspired you in a multitude of ways.
Of course you would need to pay tribute to him in a wonderful article. I can imagine the thoughts and memories that played in your mind as you plumbed your reflections of how Vincent was always a part of your life. From early memories with your father and in your youth and how he fostered new interests as the years went by. I have only seen Vincent’s works at the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay and feel privileged for those opportunities. You, on the other hand, have a personal relationship with this Master and the masterpieces he created but never lived to see his appreciation.
This quote is testament to how he has influenced you and continues to do so: “And while we may never fully understand the impact of our work, we can take comfort in knowing that our imagination, talks, writings, photography, or other contributions have the power to touch the lives of others, just as Van Gogh's has touched mine.” Thank you to Vincent and to you.
Beautifully written again. I love your mind's wandering and connecting history to personal life and experience. And I enjoy your love for the arts. Excellent.
Thank you again
Wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing your very personal journey through van Gogh's life.
I remember going to an immersive van Gogh art exhibit in Zurich in February 2020. Wheatfield with Crows was animated to music in a way that there was a gunshot that made all the crows fly away suddenly. I can't tell you what a profound impact this moment had on me back then. Life changing.
We can't go back to thank Vincent but we can appreciate people's work and creativity every day. There's so much of it around us.
Evelyn, I experienced the Van Gogh immersive in Los Angeles and vividly recall the moment when the gun caused the crows to scatter in the winds. It was a profound moment. I loved being enveloped in Vincent’s world. The Immersive was an extraordinary awesome experience. The first time I was enthralled as I experienced. The second time i told a series of profound images. I Afterwards, I connected with the music composer/director on Twitter (those were the days!) IMO, Van Gogh is about FEELING not Thinking. As is Beethoven.
Alex, thanks for sharing your feelings and love of this simple complex beautiful soul.
I went a second time as well (they extended the exhibition because of the lockdown). I just sat down in the middle of the room and let myself be completely enveloped.
I've been to a few others (Klimt, Frieda Kahlo, Monet's Gardens) - all great, but Van Gogh was my favorite.
I meant I “took” photos during the second time! I’ve been to the Kahlo and Klimt but both paled compared to the VanGogh. There was a piece of very poignant music during another moment. I can’t recall it right now. I love when music, visual images take one on a wondrous journey.
Your life long study, admiration and connection to Van Gogh is clearly stated. This is a very personal story of rising to great heights in creativity in your own life, perhaps without the element of extreme adversity. You continue to follow a very goal driven path with what seems like a pattern evolved over years of practice, a routine that works for you to get the most satisfaction and achievement that you possibly can very effectively. You likewise connect to your followers closely and give a vision of hope and reason to the times in which we are living, a half million or so? You never fail to speak the truth as you see it without fear of criticism or harm; that is so very admirable and courageous. A life so well lived and with more than thirty years to expand your wisdom while sharing your journey. May it continue to bring you satisfaction and joy! 😊🌍🕊️
Terrific article Alexander. Thank you for this tribute to one of my personal favorites.
Thanks Douglas!
What a wonderful homage to Vincent Van Gogh! 🌻
And of the course the “back page” with the tribute by Don McLean is perfection!
Bravo Alexander,
I love this read 💜💚💙💛!!
My first visit to the Van Gogh wasn't until the early 1980s; I can't count how many times I've been since. I loved it then (the original structure) and I love the new space. I hope to squeeze in another visit when I go up in a couple weeks for the Vermeer exhibition.
Thank you for sharing. 🙏