Art Experiences are quite minimal in a city like ours, we hardly have an event to immerse ourselves in and break free from suffocating side of our adulthood. Letting ourselves all out and sinking into experiences has become a luxury. In the eyes of the world, if we go out and experience something new, it’s more of a luxury. And we can’t blame it, we let the society to think that way.

Isn’t it too much? – I asked myself when my friend told me about this immersive art exhibition. The immersive art exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s work which was one hell of an experience that the world has been talking about for a while now. But, we clearly know that despite the price we have mentally signed up for this. After all, when it comes to art and experience, it has always been a necessity for us humans.

Before starting… let me give you a gist of who Vincent Van Gogh is, this is especially for those who actually don’t know him.

Vincent Van Gogh was a genius who painted his soul on canvas. He was not just an artist, but a storyteller who expressed his emotions and visions through his brushstrokes. He was misunderstood and ignored by the world during his era, but he never gave up on his passion and dreams. He suffered from mental illness and loneliness, but he found solace and beauty in nature and art. After years his works were recognized and appreciated by the modern world. He has created masterpieces that inspire and touch millions of people even today.

I first got to know about Vincent Van Gogh in the Korean Mini-Series – Gogh, The Starry Night which was broadcasted in 2016. Nothing to do with the art or artist, but of course it gets featured. So, I got to read up on him and his work.

My next encounter with this artist was during my college final year when I came across some articles and books in the library. There was a period when he was not Instagram famous, it was the time when Starry Night used to be my wallpaper and his work Almond Blossom used to be my laptop skin.

Not sure, when it exactly happened but boom, the world started talking more about Van Gogh. And then naturally, I wasn’t much vocal about my love for him until the day my friend asked if we could attend the art show that was happening in Chennai – Express Avenue Mall.

We were supposed to go in Jan, but again it got pushed to February month due to some reason. And we decided to go on my first work anniversary – 6th Feb. There isn’t anything as painful as holding on to the excitement for 2 whole months.

And finally, it was the day! From the entrance to exit everything screamed Van Gogh. The entrance was a mix of the colour of starry night and here and there studded with Sunflower – Another famous work that speaks of the obsession of the artist.

It was Tuesday eve, and still, there were lots of people waiting to immerse themselves into the acclaimed work of the artist. It was such a photogenic place. My favourite was the room with dangling lights that made you feel like you were in a surreal world. The flooring was made with the colours of Starry Night and the lighting that dangles makes you feel like you are walking into heaven. After taking enough photos, we moved to the most awaited room.

The projectors flashed in every corner of the room with the renowned artworks of Vincent Van Gogh. They have made the art live and it makes you feel like you are floating in a world full of colours and shades. As someone who is obsessed with colours and its complexities it did made my heart skip a beat. I wasn’t exposed to much of Van Gogh’s work, apart from the famous ones which I mentioned in the previous paragraphs, along with his self-portraits and the Irises. But because of this experience I have come to encounter some of the works which did put me offguard.

The Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette, The Potato Eaters and Head of a Peasant have literally stunned me. I have always perceived him as someone who has a strong affinity towards nature and as someone who plays around with the shapes and colours like a fascinated child. But the above-mentioned artwork was not the side I had expected. That dropped a light on how the artist is also an adult who is not turning his back on the dark side of the world.

Around 30-40 min we spent inside the room that lit with the moving art that feels alive. There were lots of families, youngsters as well as babies who were there getting painted by the works of the artist. After a long day, sitting there, quietly watching it not just calmed our minds but also our souls. The comfort we got that day was something we can’t describe in words.

The room adjustant to this had some the art themed goodies including mugs, bottles, bookmarks and tshirts. Ofcourse, its on the expensive side. There was also a Van Gogh art themed cafe set up close to the exit. But unfortunately, even though we were excited to visit it, pastries were already sold out, so couldn’t try. Thats one miss.

Going there on my first work anniversary was probably the best thing ever planned out because, at that moment I realised there is life outside of work and work is not everything. I was also regretting my career choice – ” I should have become an artist “. But unfortunately it’s a bit of a luxurious career dream for a middle-class child who has to earn her keep.

We have seen people – different kinds of people there. Some admired the art, some who knew art, some taking photos just to add colour to their feed, some to forget and escape reality and some to entertain themselves. Despite all, I’m so grateful that we were also part of the some who got to witness Van Gogh’s magic.