Culture
28 Mar 22

First look at The Van Gogh Experience at the RDS revealed

The multi-sensory experience was founded by two Irish brothers, Dan and John Gleeson.

In celebration of Vincent Van Gogh's birthday on March 30, never before seen visuals for the immersive experience slated to come to Dublin this summer have been revealed. The multi-sensory experience will take over The Shelbourne Hall of the RDS from May 16 to August 4.

The immersive journey is the world premiere of the exhibition, taking art installations into the new age with digital technology and projections. The experience is laid out in four parts, beginning with a deep dive into Van Gogh's subconscious. 20,000 square ft digital projections of personal letters, eras of his life and even his signature brush strokes will surround audiences in 360 degrees.

Speaking of part one, Project Director Jillian Wilson said: “Many highlights like ‘The Workers’ he frequently painted, or the influence Japanese art had on him slowly unfold all around you, in breath-taking succession. Throughout this section we discover the portraits of people that touched his life. The immersive experience brings us into the scenes of ‘The Potato Eaters' or ‘Almond Blossoms’ as if we were in them and they were alive around us."

Part two, titled 'Searching for the Light' captures Van Gogh's move to the south of France. Audiences will "stroll around fields in Arles with him", seeing the master impressionists take on his new surroundings. Part two showcases his famed works 'Bedroom in Arles' and 'Sunflowers'.

Wilson continued: “Many scenes innovatively interpret the signature elements of his life or style. We occupy his subconsciousness here, particularly composed of what he painted while in his room at the asylum. And you feel like you are in his mind and thoughts at this time."

Part three transports the audience into Van Gogh's signature 'Starry Night', with the swirling sky, enveloping the gallery, before shifting to lulling images of another darker Van Gogh piece 'Wheatfield with Crows'.

The fourth and final part moves into the more abstract pieces of Van Gogh's style, including a scene inspired by his famous painting techniques, like brush strokes, where audiences will experience them in person through a futuristic environment.

Tickets for the immersive experience are available at vangoghdublin.com from €25.00 for adults to €15.00 for children aged 5-12.