Van Gogh and the Seasons Exhibition
Last weekend I went along to the National Gallery of Victoria to see Van Gogh and the Seasonsexhibition. Van Gogh and the Seasons is exclusive to Melbourne and presents the largest collection of Van Gogh artworks to ever travel to Australia.
Van Gogh and the Seasons is presented within sections devoted to each of the four seasons. Visitors get to experience Van Gogh’s beautiful connection to nature through nearly 50 paintings and drawings, many of which depict places that were the setting for defining moments in his tumultuous life. Drawing extensively from Van Gogh’s personal letters and research into his interest in literature and nature,Van Gogh and the Seasons provides insight into the influences and themes that dominated his work.
The exhibition features artwork lent by leading international museums, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which holds the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world.
The seasons were immensely important to Van Gogh, with a huge focus on the greatness of nature’s impact on his life. The exhibition shows a beautiful film on a massive screen depicting the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and then winter. The visuals are spring blooms, bountiful harvests, sun scorched summer wheat and snow-laden country fields.
Having a mother that is an artist, I grew up around art and still enjoy visiting my Mum at work in her studio. I have been familiar with the works of Van Gogh since I was a little girl and many of my sandal designs have been influenced by Van Gogh’s art.
As a sandal designer I am fortunate enough to draw most of my inspiration from travel to some amazing and colourful places. Instead of retail environments, I often gravitate towards art galleries, to find inspiration. Art is really linked to the ranges I design because it is quite often historical but also current and futuristic at times. I love the creativity, inspiration, personality, passion, movement and color, I see in art, which hopefully results in my unique and limited edition sandal designs.
The Van Gogh artworks featured in this article were influential in my Gemma lilac, Gemma tan, Valentina and Pearl designs. Thank you Van Gogh!
If you want to visit the exhibition in Melbourne here are the details:
The National Gallery of Victoria : Van Gogh and the Seasons
Exhibition Dates: 28 April 2017 – 9 July 2017
Open: 10am – 5pm Daily, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Enjoy!
Cheryl xx
