Van Gogh Alive: The Experience bills itself as the “most visited multi-sensory experience in the world,” promising to transform how people engage with art. While it succeeds in delivering an entertaining and visually stunning display, it falls short in some areas, particularly in terms of value for money.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the Interpretative Area, which offers important context about the exhibition and educates attendees on Vincent van Gogh’s life and works. This area provides fascinating insights into Van Gogh’s most famous pieces and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is its use of the SENSORY4™ system, which combines high-definition projectors, motion graphics, and surround sound to create an immersive environment. Covering 40 projector screens, the display takes visitors on a 45-minute journey through Van Gogh’s life and works. This setup allows you to walk through archways and spaces where Van Gogh’s art literally surrounds you, providing a unique perspective on his masterpieces.
The experience starts with Van Gogh’s early, dark-toned works from his time in the Netherlands and transitions to his vibrant, colour-filled pieces created in Paris and Arles. The inclusion of quotes from Van Gogh’s letters adds a personal touch, offering insights into his thoughts and feelings during different periods of his life. Notable works such as "The Potato Eaters," "Sunflowers," "Starry Night," and "Wheat Field with Crows" are displayed with corresponding quotes that enhance the emotional impact of the visuals.
One of the strongest elements of the exhibition is the musical score. Featuring classical pieces like Vivaldi’s "Le quattro Stagioni" and Bach’s "Cello Suite No.1," the music enhances the overall experience, perfectly syncing with the visuals to evoke a deep emotional response.
Despite the impressive technology and engaging presentation, some aspects were underwhelming. The Sunflower Room, a much-anticipated part of the exhibit, was disappointingly small, featuring a simple U-shaped walkway lined with plastic sunflowers and mirrors on the walls and ceiling to give an illusion of space. This section fell short of its potential and felt like a missed opportunity to create something more immersive and impactful.
A highlight of the exhibition was the life-sized representation of ‘Van Gogh’s Bedroom,’ one of his most iconic paintings. Lawrence and I enjoyed posing for photos in this re-created space, which offered a fun and interactive way to engage with Van Gogh’s art.
At the end of the exhibition there was an art activity area, this section provides an opportunity to create your own masterpiece with the aid of informative video tutorials. Lawrence and I tried our hand at recreating Van Gogh’s Bedroom painting. This area is particularly popular with families but offers three graded tutorials that cater to all skill levels, making it an engaging and educational experience for everyone.
A significant drawback of the exhibition is its high cost. At £23 per person, the price felt steep for the content offered. While the visual and auditory experiences were enjoyable, the overall exhibition felt overpriced. For £46 for two people, we expected more substantial content and a longer duration. If the tickets were half the price, it would be a much more reasonable value.
The gift shop was well-stocked with Van Gogh-themed items, and I ended up purchasing a sweatshirt for £25 and a t-shirt for £15 for Lawrence’s birthday. These were well-received and added a personal touch to our visit.
In summary, Van Gogh Alive offers a mesmerising and emotional journey through the artist’s life and works. The immersive technology and powerful music score are standout features, and the additional activities such as the life-sized Bedroom replica and art activity area add value. However, the high ticket prices and underwhelming Sunflower Room detract from the overall experience. It's worth a visit for Van Gogh enthusiasts and those looking for a unique art experience, but be prepared for the cost. If ticket prices were lower, it would be a much more attractive option.
Van Gogh Alive is on at Media City until 23rd January 2022, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
Comments