Van Gogh and Britain: Great exhibit, even greater artist!

Hello to Arts Awarders of all ages! I have started Arts Award Explore! A short time ago, I went to see the “Van Gogh and Britain” exhibition at the Tate Britain.

“How I love London.” --Vincent Van Gogh, 1875

Vincent Van Gogh (pronounced van-GOKH according to the Dutch pronunciation) lived from 1853 to 1890. His father wanted him to become a pastor, but after his father’s death he became an artist. From 1873 to 1876, Van Gogh lived in London and explored its culture and art under many shapes and forms, which later inspired some of his most famous pieces.  He tried four jobs during his stay: art teacher, art trader, preacher, and finally, an artist, once he turned 27.

This exhibition was designed to show not only Van Gogh’s work but also the work of several of Britain’s most famous artists who were influenced by Van Gogh, including Francis Bacon!  I think you should go to this exhibition because it does a good job of showing how British literature and culture influenced Van Gogh over the years. For example, the beginning of the exhibition is focused on how Charles Dickens wrote about the poor whereas Van Gogh painted the poor.  

If you are going to go to this exhibition, I have three tips for you:  

1. Book your tickets now.  It’s closing the 11th of August 2019.  
2. When you’re near the end of the exhibition, you may see a projection of Sunflowers onto a wall but don’t stop to look at the projection because the real Sunflowers is just around the corner.  
3. You might see a painting of Starry Night in the exhibit but don’t be fooled: there are 2 Starry Nights and this is the lesser known one.  But it’s beautiful. Contrary to the famous one, it does not have a swirly sky but instead depicts two people walking along the river Rhone under a starry sky at night time.

The last bit of advice that I have to offer you is that you bring a sketchbook with you. When I went, I brought a sketchbook and I made several sketches of paintings that I found interesting. Of course, I sketched Starry Night and Sunflowers but I also sketched Old man with umbrella and watch. I liked a lot of Van Gogh’s charcoal drawings. I decided to draw this one because I found the way Van Gogh did the facial expression and the man really impressive.  

If you do go to this wonderful exhibition, I would be interested to know what you think of it. Tell me in the comments below!

If you're interested in  going, click this link where you will find tickets for the exhibition:

https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/ey-exhibition-van-gogh-and-britain