What’s on in Edinburgh: Van Gogh Alive Experience
The Van Gogh Alive Experience has toured around the world and it’s now Edinburgh’s turn to host the immersive exhibition (between 17 March - 17 July 2022).
Situated in Festival Square on Lothian Road opposite Usher Hall, the exhibition begins with an overview of Van Gogh’s life and works. There’s the opportunity to step inside one of his most recognised paintings and have your photo taken in his bedroom in Arles.
The main event is a 45-minute show across multiple screens where Van Gogh’s art and words appear in sync to music. I think there was supposed to be an olfactory element, however either this wasn’t working or I couldn’t smell anything due to having a mask on (COVID-19 regulations).
I really can’t think of a better way to enjoy art than an experience like this. We’ve all been to museums and galleries where you get a bit fatigued or don’t really ‘get’ it. The classical music choices were the perfect accompaniment to his paintings, which, enlarged, helped you to appreciate all the glorious brushstroke details and energy of Van Gogh’s work, as well as the turbulent times he faced, struggling with his mental health.
I felt the experience was appropriate for all ages and a good introduction to Van Gogh’s work if you aren’t familiar with it. The only drawback was that 45 minutes is a long time to stand or sit on the floor, which most people were doing. Although there were some small benches and you could request a chair, it would have been nice to sit on a sofa or bean bags for some comfort.
Whilst there was also a sunflower room for taking selfies (see above) and video-led painting classes, these felt like hastily thought up fillers. I would have liked a little bit more for the ticket price of £23. Perhaps it is a bit too much to expect Van Gogh originals to sit alongside this experience (is it, though?), but it would have been nice to appreciate the works alongside their larger projections. Still, I guess this means a trip to Paris and Musée d’Orsay is in order!