Welcome to our Art Adventure: Visiting Van Gogh in America (Detroit)
Hello friends, welcome to our Art Adventure: Detroit Edition
Van Gogh
Van Gogh’s work is a dance of brush strokes moving gracefully across the canvas.
World-renowned Post-Impressionist Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh expresses the way he sees the world through, what he calls “sister arts”, that which is the art of writing and painting. Through both his words and depictions, Van Gogh brings his imagination to life.
Working heavily with the Impasto technique of layering thick coats of paint, Van Gogh represents pieces of life in the form of vibrant and colorful still life, landscape, and portrait paintings.
A Van Gogh for Detroit
In 1922, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) became the first American museum to collect Van Gogh’s work. The purchase of ‘Self Portrait’ of 1887 was viewed as a “courageous” choice since Van Gogh’s popularity had not yet reached the Western world. Thanks to the DIA, work from iconic artists, like Van Gogh, is made accessible to the Detroit community and beyond. A leading museum in the Midwest, the DIA takes the initiative to connect people with profound art.
Experiencing ‘Van Gogh in America’ at the DIA
From start to finish, experiencing Van Gogh in America at the Detroit Institute of Arts was truly memorable. Mateo and I stood in the rain that Saturday New Year’s Eve morning as the crowded line was growing and winding around the building. Our ticket time for the 10:30 am show was the first viewing of the day, so we started off our morning with excitement.
As an artist, it felt like a dream to see, with my very own eyes, masterpieces such as these. Van Gogh’s work is something we talk about at events or in classes. But now, this incredible exhibition gave us the chance to be in the presence of so many stunning original works.
I took it all in – the immaculate lobby entrance of the DIA, the friendly staff at the coat check, and the helpful organizers leading us to the start of the exhibition. Each phase of the experience created a sense of anticipation and excitement as we approached the exhibition gallery entrance.
I felt a sort of overwhelm as we made our way in. I took a deep breath and moved away from the crowd. I stood still for a few minutes, exploring everything around me. The first painting I saw was ‘Van Gogh’s Chair’ of 1888 displayed solo on a dark matte wall. The lighting and the placement of the painting made for a dramatic effect, reflecting the tone of the final room of the exhibition.
Van Gogh’s work was displayed with plenty of space and carefully curated on white, dark, and earth-toned walls, enhancing the viewing experience. We moved through the rooms and tried to sneak in glances when we could. I circled back to some spaces as the crowd worked its way to other parts of the exhibition.
There were paintings I admired, photographed, and walked on from. Then, there were others that left me in awe. I knew I couldn’t capture their essence in a photo with my phone and I didn’t care to because I wanted nothing to disrupt this experience. I realized I was particularly drawn to Van Gogh’s natural still lifes and floral works; my favorite being the oil painting, ‘Roses’ of 1890. The composition was messy and organic while maintaining balance and order. I could stare endlessly at the dimensions found within the roses and the leaves, but the exhibition had to close at some point!
Mateo found more appreciation for Van Gogh’s city paintings filled with bridges, buildings, and streetlights which appeased the architect in him.
Most of the works on display were of Van Gogh’s oil paintings but we did get to discover his watercolor pieces as well.
Van Gogh’s evolution of work, his various styles, and his financial experiences feel close to artists like me. As we grow in our craft, find our place, and experiment with styles, iconic artists like Van Gogh inspire us to stay true to our calling and express ourselves with our whole might.
Visiting ‘Van Gogh in America’ urged me to continue sharing my story and art with the world and I am ever thankful for this opportunity.
I made the trip all the way from Houston with my niece in early December, missing the nasty weather by about 10 days. We were so lucky! I knew my knees and back wouldn’t hold up to hours of standing and walking, so I was glad that wheelchairs were available and getting one was no fuss at all.
My mother was the one who got me interested in art to begin with. I lost her in 2004 after a long battle with breast cancer. I warned my niece that I might get emotional, and sure enough, when I saw the first painting of his chair, the tears just flowed.
We spent all Saturday afternoon looking at the Van Goghs, then returned on Sunday afternoon to go through the rest of the museum. It is truly magnificent and worth a special trip.
Welcome to Detroit, Paula! That is great dedication and I hope you loved your visit. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user myself so I understand the importance of comfort and accessibility. It can make all the difference when you are trying to enjoy a large show like this one.
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thank you for sharing about her. It’s touching to hear how she influences you to this day and that you can connect with her through art – it sounds like quite a special relationship.
I’m glad you had the opportunity to go back to the museum to view the rest of it. I am Chaldean so for me, the Babylon/Middle Eastern exhibit is my fav. There is so much goodness!
so glad you enjoyed the exhibit. I work here at the DIA and this was my first exhibit. Thank you for the acknowledgement and please come again.
I’m glad to hear from you, Alana! The work the DIA does is incredible and I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this exhibition. I know people in other states are impressed with all the DIA has to offer. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post – I’ll definitely be back to enjoy more exhibits!
I saw this exhibition in January. It was one of the most profound art experiences in my life. Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists.
I grew up in Detroit and we would go to the DIA often. So proud of my city!
Larry, I’m so glad you got to experience this exhibition as well! I love how raw and honest Van Gogh’s work an story are. It encourages me to keep sharing what inspires my artwork. The DIA is definitely a gem in our city – so great to see it get more and more recognition. I’m a Detroit resident myself and also proud to represent!
Van Gogh is my favorite artist. I wish I could have shared this experience with you, and almost felt like I did through your article. Thank you for sharing his beautiful work.
Nadin, you would have loved it!! I’m glad you enjoyed this read and that I could share some of this experience with you.
Great write-up! You’ve definitely captured the ambiance of your adventure and managed to peak my interest in keeping my eyes peeled for the exhibit to hopefully (if possible) make its way to California.
Hi Natasha,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this read! I do hope the exhibition makes its way to you so you and many others can experience all I’ve written for yourself. I appreciate your comment!