A cosmic journey through 165 works by over 78 artists!
As part of the celebration of 150 years of Impressionism, the Musee d’Orsay is lending many of its masterpieces for display in galleries across France, and the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh in Arles has been chosen to exhibit the artist’s Starry Night over the Rhône. It will be the very first time it has been in back Arles since its creation in 1888.
Two amazing facts:
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Van Gogh was in Arles just over a year (Feb 1888-March 1898) but during this time he produced 200 paintings (many of his most famous), 100 drawings and 200 letters.
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Arles does not own one single work byVan Gogh.
This is such a special opportunity to see this painting just a few metres from where it was created on the riverbank.
The curators have also taken the opportunity to produce an exhibition that sheds new light on both the sources the artist drew on to create it and its enormous influence on other artists such as Edvard Munch, Kasimir Malevitch, Georgia O’Keeffe, Helen Frankenthaler and other major figures who are featured in the exhibition.
Below is ‘Starlight Night Lake George’ by Georgia O’Keeffe, so beautiful, and clearly inspired by Van Gogh.
A fascination with the night has persisted in contemporary art, where it has taken different forms. Works by Tony Cragg, Alicja Kwade, Anselm Kiefer, Dove Allouche, Yves Klein, Lee Bontecou, and others will also be included in this journey to the stars undertaken thanks to the return of Starry Night to the banks of the river that inspired it.
The exhibition runs to 8 September but do note: the Van Gogh must go back to Paris on 25th August.
Everett and I went last weekend. This exhibit–Van Gogh et Les Etoiles–is a marvel! Artists who inspired him and others whom he inspired. 19C astronomy. The Stars! Very moving HIGHLY recommended.
Lucky you. I love the way that in south of France you can be on the very same spot as the artist. So inspiring. Enjoy your stay!