Chandigarh
22 July 2024
DIVYA AZAD
Considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art, Dutch Post-Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh is also a popular choice for modern, immersive exhibitions where technology meets art. The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience will kick off on August 2 at Nexus Elante Mall. Tickets for the exhibit can be bought on Insider.in starting from Rs 899.
While his 2,100 artworks are scattered around the world in museums and private collections, immersive experiences that turn the walls and floors of an exhibition space into a kind of technicolour van Gogh dream world have popped up around the world from New York to Sydney, and heads to the Chandigarh for the first time.
Expressing his excitement on bringing the experience to Chandigarh, the official curator and brand ambassador for the exhibit Nikhil Chinapa said, “Immersive experiences like The Real Van Gogh Immersive have been a game-changer and trendsetter for the Indian art scene, igniting a renewed passion for art appreciation and consumption, and I’m so pleased we could bring this to Chandigarh, a city that has design interwoven so tightly in its identity.”
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience brings out the colours and emotions of the Dutch master’s paintings via an unparalleled visual spectacle, boasting India’s first 22K lumen projection and largest screens in India, and a specially-created music score by Mitch de Klein that breathes new life into van Gogh’s timeless masterpieces. The paintings for The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience were curated and animated by visual artists Hemali Vadalia and Naveen Boktapa of Motionvan Studios, with inputs by co-curator Jay Punjabi.
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience 2024 in Chandigarh
Presented by The Silly Fellows in collaboration with creative entrepreneur Nikhil Chinapa, the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience 2024 saw art enthusiasts and curious onlookers sell out show after show in Chennai and Hyderabad.
Van Gogh experienced life and the world intensely and his bold, dramatic brushstrokes conveyed joy, anxiety and anguish his mind held. A specially curated line-up of 70 visually captivating pieces from van Gogh’s extraordinary collection of artworks including Starry Night, Sunflowers, Wheatfield with Crows, Irises, illuminates every brushstroke and color with never-before-seen clarity, and gives the spectator a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of van Gogh’s masterpieces in a way never seen before.
Chandigarh is one of the earliest planned cities in post-independent India and is internationally known for its architecture and urban design. Its proximity to the Shivalik Hills means it receives visitors from Shimla, Manali and even Kashmir, and the exhibition will give people yet another reason to travel.
“This isn’t just about art; it’s a bold move to redefine cultural experiences in our own backyard, giving every doorstep a front-row seat to the avant-garde of today’s creative narrative, and being able to showcase it to audiences beyond Tier 1 cities,” added The Silly Fellow’s co-founder Sharan John.
“Immersive experiences like this have taken the world by storm and ignited a love for art in the young generation in a way that speaks to them and we are very keen to take The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience to every corner of the country,” co-curator Jay Punjabi said.
The content for this captivating showcase was meticulously crafted over a span of nine months, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for visitors. The 30-minute journey through the exhibition unfolds across four carefully curated spaces, each designed to offer a distinct facet of the artist’s work.
The Education Room serves as an informative and insightful introduction, providing context and background to van Gogh’s life and artistic journey. The first room in the experience, it takes visitors through the tapestry of his work and life.
The Infinity Room, as the name suggests, is an expansive space where visitors find themselves in an immersive and awe-inspiring environment.
The Immersive Room transports attendees deeper into the world of Vincent van Gogh. Dynamic projections and sensory elements enhance the connection between the audience and the artist’s creations.
After the immersive journey, visitors can explore The Merchandise Store, where they can take home souvenirs and mementos related to the exhibition.
Exhibits like The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience reflect a growing appetite for immersive and culturally enriching events, solidifying its place as a must-see, Instagram-friendly spectacle for the 21st century consumer.
