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Sunny Side Up
Ear-chopping episode aside, sunflowers are probably one of the most iconic images associated with Vincent van Gogh. Beloved for their sunny, cheerful appearance and bold shapes, it has been estimated that around 5 million people see the artist’s paintings of these flowers every year. Van Gogh had previously painted pictures of dying sunflower heads during his time in Paris, in 1886-1888. Increasingly concerned with symbolism, he returned to colourful flowers when preparing for his fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, to come and stay with him in Arles. Excited for his friend’s visit, Van Gogh wanted to offer him a warm welcome and seized upon paintings of sunflowers as the ideal decorative…
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Van Gogh, Repeated
Infamous for cutting off his own ear and likely causing his own death by shooting himself in the stomach, Vincent van Gogh is the undisputed embodiment of the mad artist. Combine this image with his frenzied brushstrokes and vivid colours, and it is unsurprising that his artistic method is seen as impulsive and somewhat violent. So you may be surprised to learn that Van Gogh actually spent much time thinking carefully about his works, reconsidering his style and compositions. He did this especially through repetitions. You may well recognise his portrait of Joseph Roulin, the postman- but you might not be recognising quite what you think. There are six of…
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