IF you missed it the first time around, the Van Gogh Alive exhibit made a return to Manila last October 20 and will run until December 10 this year. 

Referred to by many as the most visited multi-sensory exhibition in the world, Van Gogh Alive is made up of over 3, 000 of the late artist’s works, all projected on a massive scale. It makes use of motion graphics, mesmerizing sounds, as well as several high-definition projectors to bring to life the beauty of Van Gogh’s works through an entirely new platform. 

His works The Starry Night, Bedroom in Arles, Wheatfield with Crows, and many others are all available for viewing at this event made possible by the Bonifacio Art Foundation and the BGC Arts Center, Inc. alongside Del Monte Philippines.

This event, created and produced by Grande Experiences and Sensory 4 Immersive Technology, has made headlines in over 70 cities all across the globe. 

Here, technology meets tradition, wherein you can take as many photos as you’d like with the iconic works of one of the most talented artists of the 1800s. 

The iconic Vincent Van Gogh

Born in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh lived in the small village of Zundert, found in the Netherlands. Almost his entire life, he spent painting, only for many to make a mockery of his work given that it was very different from the types of art being produced at the time.

Perhaps the most well-known fact about Van Gogh’s life is that it was one filled with poverty and rejection. He suffered severely from depression, and other experts believe that he dealt with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorder as well. 

From the day he was born up until he died, Medium writer Ashish Noel Tirkey states that he was extremely unhappy in his life. He never liked school and was rejected by the woman that he loved because she was engaged to someone else, and had parents who didn’t support his dream of pursuing the arts, instead wanting him to find a more serious career instead.

Despite all of this, though, he continued to fight. He continued to paint. He continued to do what he loved, no matter all the people that tried to stop him. 

Though it is not right to in any way romanticize the life this man has led, there is no denying that it is a great testament to the perseverance and determination ingrained deep within the human spirit.

A unique multi-sensory experience

Upon walking into this exhibit, you’ll find many different kinds of spaces. One room features several LED screens, showing over 3, 000 photos of the artist’s works as soothing classical music plays in the background. 

If you’re looking for a more interactive space you can then head to the part of the exhibit wherein you’ll be given a pencil and paper, and will have your own chance to recreate Van Gogh’s artworks with the help of a tutorial played on a large screen.

There’s also the opportunity to take a photo seated on a replica of Van Gogh’s bed, aimed to look like the bedroom he lived in back in Arles. Here, you get to fully immerse yourself in the place wherein Van Gogh painted many of his masterpieces, and can spend your time wondering what had been going on within the artist’s head as he worked. 

Finally, if you haven’t already taken enough photos and selfies, you’ll be able to end the tour in the beautiful sunflower maze, surrounded by mirrors and bright, lively flowers, taken from Van Gogh’s painting, Sunflowers. 

Perhaps the only downside of this exhibit is that the rooms are sure to be filled with people, so it might be hard to get that perfect photo for your IG feed. It’s recommended that you come early to avoid all those pesky shadows in your pics, as well as to be able to better immerse yourself in the life and works of Van Gogh. 

Get tickets while you still can

At present, tickets for this event are available on Ticket World, with a number of time slots still open from November up until December. You can visit it at the BGC Arts Center any time until then. 

For the time slots, there are four you can choose from in total: 

• 12 PM
• 2 PM
• 4 PM
• 6 PM

These tickets are good for a total of two hours within the exhibit. The prices are as follows:

• PHP 916.70 for students up to College level (must present valid ID upon entering)
• PHP 916.70 for children above 2 feet
• PHP 1, 236 for adults

Also available is the Premium Flex Pass wherein, for PHP 2, 575, you can visit the exhibit at any time during your scheduled day, and will also receive a free program book upon entering the exhibit.

While Van Gogh may have lived tragically whilst he was alive, millions across the world are now able to appreciate his art, realizing just how talented of an artist he truly was. If there’s a definition of the term “beyond his time,” there is no better example than him.

If you’re a fan of Van Gogh or haven’t yet been familiarized with his art but still want to partake in this experience, get your tickets while you can! It’s definitely a memory you won’t forget any time soon.