B.J. Quinn
Ever wish you could step into a painting? Personally, I’d choose a Rothko and dive into the deep end. And then, after becoming bored with the various shades of red, I’d resurface from one of Hockney’s masterworks, an idyllic scene where swimming pools meet sunny skies. But inevitably, I’d end up strolling between Van Goghs. The 19th-century Dutch painter’s brawny brushstrokes lent a unique vibrancy to his vividly hued renderings of the French countryside and intimate portraits. His work swirls like no other, always running the risk of spilling off the canvas.
Well, if you’re like me and want to star in your very own episode of The Night Gallery but without the heebie-jeebies, then Van Gogh: An Immersive Journey is the place for you. Taking over the Shelbourne Hall at the RDS, from May 16th to August 4th, the exhibition is a 20,000 square foot, light and sound spectacular featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works. Here, you will encounter the brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists in 360 degrees. The high-tech spectacle, founded by two Irish brothers Dan and John Gleeson, is family-friendly and designed for our socially distant world.
Speaking about what makes this immersive experience a must-see, Project Director Jillian Wilson said: “Visitors will experience audio-visual storytelling at its best and will be immersed in Van Gogh’s history and artwork, enjoying his masterpieces in an advanced digital format, transformed using different facades and technological approaches. Even finishing with a futuristic and innovative Artificial Intelligence interpretation of his paintings. You get to walk through the fascinating and tragic life of Van Gogh, through his carefully curated artworks, chosen to fully absorb you in a multi-sensory experience, with mind-blowing audio-visual effects.”
The spectacle has been masterminded by creative studio Nohlab. Known for their mind-bending, multi award-winning immersive digital-art exhibitions, the studio seeks to build a bridge between the digital and the physical reality, while examining the relationship of technology with art and design.
BE AWARE! – there is a very similar event, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, organised by Fever and Exhibition Hub, that was also due to start in May at a “secret location” in Dublin. This event has since been postponed due to “production delays.” The similar names, themes and timeframes of the two events have created confusion for some customers – me included! I initially bought tickets for the Immersive Experience event, thinking it was the RDS exhibition, wrong! Thankfully, the refund process was easy and quick, and I was able to then book myself in for the Van Gogh: An Immersive Journey.
However, I was not alone. This past April, callers to RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline described purchasing tickets for one of the events while meaning to attend the other. Speaking on the programme, Oliver Davies, a PR Manager for Fever, assured listeners: “Anyone who feels that they did want to have a refund, that’s absolutely fine, and we can also offer vouchers so that they can apply the same ticket price but move to a different date.”
The Fever event has already run in cities in the UK in 2021, where it has received mixed reviews. So to avoid disappointment be sure to purchase your tickets via vangoghdublin.com, which will then transfer you to the ticket vendor Universe. Stay away from vangoghexpo.com, Fever and Exhibition Hub.
Van Gogh: An Immersive Journey lasts approximately 60 minutes (40 minute projection show / 20 minute infinity room, interactive art wall with café and retail) There will be a very limited number of tickets available to purchase on site. It is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets online, for your preferred time slot, to ensure access.
As part of the show, there are flashing lights and moving artwork/videos which may be uncomfortable for some people with sensory processing needs, and as such, it is advised that parents, carers and/or individuals consider this before purchasing tickets. If you have any specific queries in relation to the content before making this decision please email hi@theatreoflight.ie
Ticket prices: Adult: €25.00
Child 5-12 years: €15.00
Concessions (Student/OAP) €23.00
Under 5s: Free (but must have a ticket) Booking fees will apply.
Images:
Van Gogh Wheatfield with Crows
Van Gogh Self Portrait
Images Wikimedia Commons
