Brisbane is abuzz with the opening of the world’s most visited sensory experience, Van Gogh Alive. Finding a home at Northshore Harbour, this purpose built event space from Bruce Peterson and the team at Grande Experiences, is a must do for all ages this Spring / Summer 2021. Forget tiptoeing quietly through an art gallery, this experience will have you interacting with art in ways you have never imagined. She Society were grateful to have been given a sneak peek , guided by producer, Andrew Kay AM, into this magical world prior to its star studded Opening Night.
Van Gogh Alive invites you on a journey where you accompany Van Gogh through the Netherlands, Arles, Saint – Remy and Auvers -sur- Oise and eventually on to Paris, where he created many of his timeless masterpieces. Set to an evocative score, this music, lights, artistic and written experience takes you through a thrilling display of over 3 000 inspirational experiences that transform every surface. – walls, columns, ceilings and even floors.
Van Gogh’s thoughts, feelings, state of mind and inspiration are there for all to see as his works come to life in vivid detail. You can see his work ethic, development as an artist and thoughts on his life, as the images and sounds wash over you in a carnival of sensory delights. Many times tears filled my eyes as the beauty and memories of my past travels overwhelmed me. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
Van Gogh was inspired by the changing landscapes, people and objects found all around him and you gauge a sense of the man and his many interests through his work. It was sad to read a quote from him that says, “ I can’t change the fact that my paintings don’t sell. But the time will come when people will recognise that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.”
How profound and insightful his words have proved to be!
Visit the beautiful sunflower garden which was inspired by the gardens of Montmartre, Paris and take a great shot for your Instagram. I know Van Gogh would approve. Stand and be amazed by a starry night installation inspired by one of his best loved series of paintings. Van Gogh never tired of painting the magnificence of the night sky. Observe his bedroom in Arles or sit on a café terrace at night. You will be transported straight to Paris.
The famous painting Irises was the first print I ever bought as a young bride and learning that he’d painted this masterpiece whilst in an asylum at Saint Remy, only heightened my emotion and love of this very famous work. There are stories and ‘ a-ha ‘ moments at every turn as you wander through this magnificent interactive display. I certainly hope to visit again and stop for a champagne and ponder on this grand master and his work.
This one is a must do for all the family. The experience will take you full circle through Van Gogh’s life and you will leave enchanted, but most of all aware of the beauty and transformative nature of art. Van Gogh Alive is open every day during the week from 10 am and from 9am on weekends until December 24th right here in beautiful Brisbane. Be prepared for a feast for all your senses.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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