5 Things You Should Know About the Upcoming Van Gogh Exhibit in Manila

Excited for Van Gogh Alive? Scroll through below to read on a few tidbits you should know before visiting the grand exhibit:

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous and beloved artists. His unique post-impressionist style has been emulated repeatedly and venerated by critics across the globe. Born in 1853, the Dutch painter enjoyed a relatively humdrum life, finding fame only posthumously. Having tried his hand at different occupations and travelling to London and Paris, Van Gogh found his passion for painting late in his life. Still, over only a decade, he produced more than 2,000 works yet sold only one. Because of this, he lived in poverty and was constantly cared for and financially supported by his younger brother, Theo. His death came early at the age of 37.

Today, his works are widely circulated and coveted by collectors and art connoisseurs, often sold for millions at auctions. His stature in the art world undoubtedly inspired younger artists and critics to reframe the role of art in depicting real life. Known for his portraits and depictions of daily minutiae, Van Gogh's paintings are loved by many for their stoic yet reflective character.

Beginning 26 October, art lovers will be able to appreciate Van Gogh's works through an immersive exhibit entitled Van Gogh Alive to be held at Bonifacio High Street. But before you book your tickets, scroll through below to find out more about the man behind the famous Starry Night:

1. The exhibit has already travelled the world

Above Van Gogh Alive at One Bonifacio High Street | Photo by: Kryss Rubio

Grande Exhibitions, the creator and promoter of Van Gogh Alive, specialises in the creation, design, production, promotion and installation of large-scale exhibitions with broad cultural appeal and engaging, entertaining and educational content. Grande Exhibitions' state-of-the-art SENSORY4™ immersive gallery combines with a tailored exhibition space to allow projection of enormous crystal-clear images.

Set to an evocative classical score, a thrilling display of over 3,000 inspirational images transforms every surface – walls, columns, ceilings, and even floors. At such a scale, the vibrant colours and vivid details of Van Gogh’s work are truly breathtaking. Its exhibitions have travelled to over 130 cities across six continents, to audiences in excess of 12 million people.

2. Van Gogh sold only a single painting in his lifetime

Above The Red Vineyard (1888)

Given his canonical stature in the art world, it might surprise some to know that he sold only a single painting in his lifetime entitled, The Red Vineyard near Arles. It was exhibited for the first time at the annual exhibition of Les XX, 1890 in Brussels, and sold for 400 Francs (equal to about 2,000USD today) to a woman named, Anna Boch. She was a sister of Eugene Boch, a painter who was friends with Van Gogh.

3. Most expensive painting by Van Gogh

Above Portrait of Dr. Gachet (1890)

Entitled, Portrait of Dr. Gachet, this painting by Van Gogh was sold for a whopping 82.5 Million USD in 1990, which would amount to 158 Million USD today. Dr. Paul Gachet was a close confidant of the painter during his stay in Auvers-sur-Oise, a small suburb northwest of Paris, France. The Dutch painter had a relatively solitary life, spending his final days under the care of Dr. Gachet. After a long tortuous battle with mental illness, Van Gogh took his own life.

4. Not the first digital interpretation to hit Manila

If you've been privy to the latest trends in social media, you might have encountered the recent debate regards to "gatekeeping" and the value of art in the digital world.

The 2017 film, Loving Vincent was widely applauded and beloved around the word. It premiered in Metro Manila during the 2017 Q Cinema Festival. Best described as a moving pastiche of 65,000 paintings across a running time of an hour 34 minutes, it follows Van Gogh during the last days of his life. However, for those looking for an elevated viewing experience of Van Gogh's art, make sure to drop by One Bonifacio High street.

5. Von Gogh is alive in the Philippines

The Bonifacio Art Foundation and One Bonifacio High Street, together with Globe, bring "Van Gogh Alive" to Metro Manila. Here, visitors will be able to experience an immersive digital art exhibition. With classical musical scoring and large digital superimpositions of the artist's greatest works, Van Gogh Alive is a contemporary way to enjoy the Dutch painter's oeuvre. Visitors can expect a thrilling display of over 3,000 images will will transform every surface – walls, columns, ceilings and even floors.

Van Gogh Alive will welcome guests form October 26 - December 8, 2019. To know more and book tickets to visit, log on to: vangoghalive.ph.