The Intricate Tragedy of Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh is possibly one of the most talented painters of all time. He certainly is one of the most well known in art history, his story and life as tragically beautiful as his bold impressionist art work.

Van Gogh was born in the rolling hills of Groot-Zundert, Holland on March 30, 1853. The son of a pastor, he was brought up in a very religious and cultured environment. As a boy, Vincent was categorized as highly emotional, self-conscious, and struggled with his life’s calling. At first, he believed that he was called to preach the gospel message like his father, before discovering his true calling was to be an artist. Between 1860 and 1880, around the time of his blossoming into art, he already had a multitude of failed romances and job prospects.

In 1886 he joined his brother Theo in Paris and got connected with the art community. He tried to copy the style of techniques of other artists but failed in those endeavors as well. The mounting stress, failure, and mental health issues landed him in the asylum in Saint-Remy for treatment. During his time in the asylum, he painted some of the most beautiful and notable art pieces of his career. After he recovered, he continued to paint and express himself through his art.

He was never a successful painter during his life. Selling less than a dozen paintings, living in malnourished poverty, and struggling consistently with mental health. He took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1890, wanting nothing more than to the end of it all.

One of Vincent Van Gogh’s death’s most heartbreaking parts was that he died believing his artwork was worthless. His neighbors, fellow artists, and family members considered him a time-wasting madman. He barely sold any paintings, and left this world thinking he failed. Not knowing that he would become one of the most beautiful and intricate artistic icons of not only the impressionist movement but in most of art history.

When you look at the last three years of Vincent’s art, you see something incredible. His technique grew more and more impassioned, his brushstrokes dramatic and frenzied. His use of color and surface tension was simply mesmerizing. His inimitable work was full of imagination and pure unbridled emotion. Looking at his artwork is like listening to a lonley violin solo or witnessing a dramatic play come to life; it kidnaps your attention and your heart. Through fits of madness and deep depression, Vincent took the pain of life and translated it into a pure ecstasy of color. Pain is easy to portray on a canvas, the blues and blacks like a familiar rhythm tapped on the heartstrings of the human experience. But Vincent Van Gogh took the crushing pain of reality and turned it into the beauty of life.. One of the most dramatic and skilled processes an artist can ever hope to achieve. Vincent did it naturally, genuinely, and honestly. Like puzzle pieces falling together, all leading to the same conclusion, the brilliance of Vincent Van Gogh.

Art and Emotions

Humans have spent thousands of years using art forms to express. In European caves dating back to the Ice Age, we see cave drawings used to tell stories and communicate history. In Ancient Greecian tapestry, we are immersed in the legends of gods and heroes. In Egyptian pottery, we explore the rise and fall of kings and queen. The renaissance is full of expression and beauty captured in architecture. In the Impressionist era, Vincent Van Gogh translates the pain of a tormented life into beautiful works of realism and ecstasy. We have thousands of examples of humans translating their stories, emotions, and memories into art, but often miss the return. Art can also pour back into us. 

 

Emotions are defined as “a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others” and “instinctive or intuitive feeling as distinguished from reasoning or knowledge.” An emotional response is easily invoked by anything that is measured by our five senses, especially by the things we see. Feeling any emotion is a qualitative state that is primarily measured by a change in feeling, blood pressure, heart rate, activity, among other things. 

 

According to multiple psychological studies, color can affect our mood. An entire field called color psychology looks at how different colors affect our emotions. Red projects a message of confidence and boldness, while yellow communicates a happy and bright message. The very colors in art can affect our mood and portray an emotion to us.  

 

Many art pieces that are admired today are portraying some message or memory. Some of the most famous pieces of art are depicting a scene or image. What we see directly affects our emotions. We are always in a state of feeling something. So when we look at different art pieces, a portrayed scene can bring forth a memory or thought process that comes with its own unique emotional cocktail. 

 

When we create works of art, we pour our emotions, memories, pain, and desires into our creation. We can put forth so much time and effort into what we do, and our art continues to communicate even after we finish it. Not only do we pour out into our craft, but our art pours back into us. Thus, a beautiful cycle of expression is maintained. 

What is Art Therapy?

People have turned to the creative arts as a means of therapy for centuries. Art therapy is a field that originated from the catharsis of artistic expression, and licensed art therapists help clients around the world treat a variety of mental illnesses and personal struggles with creative projects.

 

Art therapy can be used in virtually any environment with clients ranging from pre-school children to senior citizens. Those who cannot articulate themselves clearly due to developmental disorders such as autism may benefit from art therapy as it gives them a voice that would otherwise go unheard.

 

With the help of a professional therapist, clients who undergo art therapy are able to learn more about themselves through their nonverbal expression; art therapists decipher symbols, colors, patterns and metaphors that arise through the creative process, all while helping clients relieve stress and find comfort in their artwork.

 

Art Therapy in Action

There are types of art therapy that can treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Therapists will typically choose exercises and mediums based on a client’s age, personality and symptoms.

 

Journaling is a common art therapy prescribed for people struggling with depression or anxiety; children and adolescents who may not be as capable of identifying and expressing their feelings might be prompted to draw or paint their emotions instead.

 

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory art therapy that utilizes finger paints, kinetic sand, clay, and other tactile mediums can provide emotional release and serve as a positive outlet to reduce maladaptive behaviors.

 

Benefits of Art Therapy

It is not always feasible or comfortable for people to express how they’re feeling. Sometimes, an individual may not even understand the depth of their own emotions until they are given the opportunity to explore them creatively. Through art therapy, people can develop healthy coping skills while learning more about themselves, who they are and how their problems “color” their lives.

 

Art therapy can build confidence, reduce stress and improve behavior. By exploring a new way of expressing one’s thoughts and feelings, art therapy offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the psyche and uncover repressed thoughts and feelings that may be causing trouble in the present.

 

Finally, art therapy is a valuable tool that can be used in conjunction with traditional psychotherapy. By exploring a client’s creative output, therapists can find new ways to address their problems using therapeutic models such as talk therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

Spotlight: Switzerland’s New Platform 10 Art District

Every year in Basel, Switzerland, Art Basel presents an exhibition featuring high end works by local artists. This yearly exhibition has turned Switzerland into more than just a blip on the map in the world of contemporary art.

 

This event brings together hipsters with art curators and gallery owners to create a community of passionate and dedicated artists. Due to its overwhelming popularity, there are now two competing art shows held in Hong Kong and Miami Beach.

 

Art has always been a significant part of the culture in Switzerland. Since Art Basel was launched, the fine arts have been treasured throughout the country. As a result. Switzerland boasts world-famous art museums. Some of these museums include:

 

  • Bern’s Zentrum Paul Klee Museum
  • Zurich’s Kunsthaus
  • Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection

 

Currently, under construction, Plateforme 10, set to be the largest museum in Switzerland, will be the next-door neighbor of the Lausanne train station. As the center of the city, it will be a prime spot for tourists to visit.

 

Once it is open for business, the Plateforme 10 is poised to set the city’s definition of an art district. It will hold a total of three museums on its property. These three museums are currently spaced out around the city. The Plateforme 10 will be the new home of:

 

  • Musee Cantonal des Beaux-Arts
  • Musee de l’Elysee
  • Museum of Contemporary Design And Applied Arts

 

In total, the three museums will come together to cover a campus stretching 237,000 feet. As a result, all three museums will have more space in which to display their exhibits.

 

To many, Lausanne is the perfect place for this new museum to open. The city is known as the world’s most free-spirited. As the Canton of Vaud capital, Lausanne borders the French Alps and Switzerland’s famous Lake Geneva. The city exudes the vibes of a young generation. As an artistic hub, it embraces a generation that thrives on their creative spirit.

 

Any art lover owes it to him or herself to plan a trip to Switzerland The Platform 10 District is not to be missed. It is an experience that visitors will never forget.

Art as a Tourist Attraction

 

The concept of displaying art in galleries and museums have been around for over a century. Artists who are able to put their masterpieces somewhere that hundreds of people will see is a dream come true. While galleries and museums are still the end-goal for most artists, there is now a growing trend of seeing art in one of its purest forms, on the street. Thousands of tourists flock to various cities around the world, to get a picture of some of the murals and street art designed for the area. Check out some of the places, best known for their free displays of craftsmanship.

 

Miami. Florida

 

Becoming a famous locations for mural photo opportunities, the Wynwood Wall area of Miami is now a must-see for those visiting the city. Most are aware that every December, the city hosts a huge art fair, called Art Basel. The event brings in artists from around the world to showcase their contemporary art. The show is mostly for new and up-and-coming artists and a majority of the three-day affair is held at the Wynwood Wall. However, December isn’t the only time the walls get their chance to shine. All through the year tourists find themselves lined up to take some social media-worthy pictures in front of the massive displays of art. As Miami is such a colorful city without the walls, there are dozens of other beautiful murals around the area to see.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

Many are surprised to find out that along with Brotherly Love, the city of Philadelphia is also nicknames, the City of Murals. All of the art that lines the streets of Philadelphia can be credited to the Mural Arts Program, the largest public art program in the United States. In an effort to reduce the harsh graffiti happening, the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network gave artists free canvas’ allowing them to express the deeper community issues through mural creation. Thousands of people visit this northeastern city just to see some of the well-crafted and meaningful murals on display.

 

Nashville, Tennessee

 

As the city of Nashville is becoming more of a tourist destination than ever before, the murals have become an integral part of the experience. From the notable “I Believe in Nashville” mural to the Draper James stripes right across the street, there are opportunities for art lovers all around. Everyone who passes it, has to take a photo in front of the 20 feet tall What Lifts You Wings. Even just taking your picture in front of it makes you feel as though you can do anything, even fly. From fun flowers to abstract colors and shapes, Nashville has murals for everyone to pose in front of or save as a unique new screen saver.