Van Gogh the Letter Writer
This year marks the 156th anniversary of the birth of Vincent van Gogh. I read from a magazine that more than 120 Van Gogh's original letters, the largest selection ever exhibited, are shown alongside his works in the exhibition Van Gogh's letters: The artist speaks at Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
We all know that Van Gogh is one of the greatest post-Impressionist painters. I'm surprised that he was also a gifted letter writer. His lively language and unique style made his letters comparable to world literature. Most of them, addressed to his beloved brother, Theo, were about his vision and passion for art, artworks and feelings.
I wish I could visit the museum and take a look at the letters, but my working schedule doesn't allow me to. A bit disappointed, I am lucky enough to find out that the exhibition is a highlight of the Van Gogh Letters Project jointly run by the Van Gogh Museum and the Huygens Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. For 15 years, researchers had extensively studied the precious personal correspondence, and I genuinely appreciate the Dutch's determination and devotion to promote art development.
The Project is now completed, with full English translations, annotations and illustrations of different artworks mentioned in the letters. All the fruits of the 15 years of painstaking research work are included in a six-volume publication, Vincent van Gogh - The letters. There is a parallel web edition so that I am accessible to the unique correspondence which reveals Van Gogh's ambitions and life as an artist some 120 years after his death.
Van Gogh's letters unveil his life and mentality. His words are so lively, human and timeless. Perhaps he never thought his letters can serve as a good primary source for the world to understand his life and artworks. They themselves have even become a form of art and a part of history.
The letters represented Van Gogh's lifelong friendship with his brother Theo. They record his real life and unveil some of the chronicle of his artworks – a magnificent expression of the passion of Van Gogh's spirits towards art. The letters form part of his biography, and they are not just addressed to his family members, but also to generations of art lovers.
We know about the tragic end of Van Gogh's life. Yes, even with a talented soul, he led a turbulent and sad life. His correspondence reminds us to rethink the true meaning of life, brings us closer to the post-Impressionist master and serves as a significant bridge leading us to the world of art and literature.
The Van Gogh Letters Project: www.vangoghletters.org
To me, the beauty of life lies in love, nature and arts. After years of planning and development, I and my team have established K11 in Hong Kong, with the vision of Art ‧ People ‧ Nature, to be opened by the end of 2009. I wish to share with you the perfect blending of art appreciation, humanistic experience, nature enjoyment and shopping.