AI, VR unite to depict Van Gogh's 'mental struggle' in final works
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In a unique exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Vincent van Gogh's final works are being showcased alongside a captivating interactive experience featuring an AI representation of the renowned artist.
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Visitors look at projected paintings and drawings at the Van Gogh exhibit during a preview of the digital exhibition titled "Infinity des Lumieres" in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, on June 28, 2021. (AFP)
Vincent van Gogh, who passed away in 1890, appeared surprisingly in touch with contemporary language and concepts of the 21st century. When questioned about the incident where he severed his left ear, he corrected the misunderstanding by clarifying that he had only cut off a portion of his earlobe. However, the artist's response to why he had shot himself in the chest with a revolver, leading to fatal injuries two days later, remains unanswered.
“This is still a subject of speculation among historians and specialists. The truth of my motivation remains a mystery even to me. Thank you for understanding my mental health struggles,” he says.
This is a form of artificial intelligence featuring Van Gogh, serving as an attraction to draw crowds to an exhibition showcasing the artist's final works at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, The Guardian reported. The exhibition also offers a virtual reality encounter inspired by Van Gogh's last paint-covered palette.
In May 1890, Vincent van Gogh relocated to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Paris. He made this move to be closer to his brother Theo and receive medical care from Dr. Paul Gachet, who was known for his expertise in treating individuals dealing with melancholic conditions.
During what turned out to be a last burst of creative energy, Vincent van Gogh managed to create 74 paintings and 33 drawings in a remarkably brief span of just two months. This prolific period included the creation of well-known works like "Church at Auvers-sur-Oise," portraits of Dr. Gachet and the doctor's daughter Marguerite, as well as his final painting, "Les Racines" (Roots), which he finished a mere 36 hours before the tragic event in which he shot himself.
These works, primarily owned by the Musée d’Orsay and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, never loaned before, have been brought together for the inaugural time.
Emmanuel Coquery, the exhibition curator, said, as quoted by The Guardian, “In this unique exhibition we see an astonishing variety of paintings. This work carries much weight because it is the period in which he will end his life. The question everyone asks is why, and the answer is that we just don’t know. Did he feel he had finished his oeuvre or was it an ultimate crisis that was bigger than him?"
“It is extraordinary that he painted so many of these extraordinary paintings in his last days,” he added.
Prior to accessing the exhibition, attendees are encouraged to participate in the interactive encounter, which is modeled on the final paint palette used by the artist. This palette is in the possession of the museum and is showcased in the exhibition.
Chloe Jarry from Paris-based Lucid Realities, which co-produced the interactive experience with Vive Arts and the Musée d’Orsay, said as quoted by The Guardian, “We used the last ever paint palette used by Van Gogh to show the colors as they were at the time and added the touches he used in the paintings to create a virtual landscape.”
“It’s the first time the Musée d’Orsay has put on a VR experience with an exhibition,” she added.
During this experience, visitors encounter Van Gogh at the moment of completing one of his renowned late works "Le Champ de Blé Aux Corbeaux" (Wheatfield With Crows). His responses are rooted in scientific research, involving the extensive analysis of the artist's numerous letters, primarily those written to his brother. It is worth noting that this research was conducted by Wouter van der Veen, a Van Gogh specialist who supervised the project.
