Through Vincent’s eyes
‘Travelling with Vincent’ takes the visitor on an immersive road trip, featuring an abstract train experience that bridges the gap between past and present, while offering, for the first time, a unique combination of immersive audiovisual storytelling and the authenticity of real artworks. The exhibition, designed by NorthernLight, allowed visitors to embark on a mental and physical journey alongside Van Gogh, experiencing the landscape of Drenthe through his eyes and encountering the contemporaries and sources of inspiration that shaped his artistic vision during his time in Drenthe. Van Gogh’s time in Drenthe was crucial for his development as an artist, laying the foundations for the many masterpieces that have made him one of the most beloved artists in history.
Immersive road trip
At the core of this exhibition lies the concept of translating Van Gogh’s emotional journey into a contemporary and timeless experience that allows visitors to literally step into the artist’s shoes. ‘Travelling with Vincent’ takes visitors on an immersive road trip, featuring an abstract train experience that bridges the gap between the past and present. The exhibition begins with an abstract train, Which is kept abstract and purposely becomes timeless. One can identify here with Vincent and relate his journey to nowadays ‘soul search’ trips and the modern-day quest for self-discovery. Here, visitors can read Van Gogh’s letters to his brother, discovering the observations he made during his stay. The journey continues into the immersive space with magical projections, allowing visitors to come even closer to Van Gogh’s emotional journey. A ‘road movie’ showcased a fusion of Drenthe landscapes and Van Gogh’s paintings, bringing his time in Drenthe to life. Visitors could wander through the train’s windows, just as Vincent did back then, or walk in the space and be immersed by the projections.
The works of Van Gogh, contemporaries and his sources of inspiration are presented in several spaces inspired by the unique colours in the Drentse landscape as described by Vincent in letters to his brother Theo. The themed exhibition rooms, with carpets that evoke the Drenthe landscape, take the form of a walkable ‘color swatch’ and feature these unique colors. The immersive space does not compete with his real and compelling works being on show, but enhances them. ‘Traveling with Vincent’ seamlessly blends immersive audiovisual storytelling with the genuine authenticity of real artworks.
Van Gogh in Drenthe
Vincent van Gogh arrived in Drenthe on 11 September 1883. He spent three months in Hoogeveen, Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord and made a day trip to Zweeloo. The Drenthe landscape inspired him. There, he found the peace and space to reflect on his artistry and to experiment. He practised with themes, techniques and colours. Van Gogh’s time in Drenthe was important for his development as an artist. There he laid the foundations for the many masterpieces that make him one of the most beloved artists ever.
Client
Drents Museum
Location
Assen, The Netherlands
NorthernLight role
Concept, spatial design, visual design, experience design, creative quality control
NorthernLight core team
Peter Slavenburg, Maximilian Pecher (lead), Andrea Veldkamp
Production
IRIS Vormgeving BV
Immersive projection
Shosho
Lighting
50LUX
Photos
Sake Elzinga, Drents Museum
train
themes
years after
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