Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Van Gogh in Paris
A part of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Garden with Courting Couples: Square Saint-Pierre” (1887)
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Vincent van Gogh
“I can’t change the fact that my paintings don’t sell. But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.”
By Kwon Mee-yoo
"Paris is Paris. There is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it became worse and harder even ― the French air clears up the brain and does good ― a world of good," Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh wrote in a letter to English artist Horace Livens. The French capital was a land of opportunity for Van Gogh, as he met many artists when he lived there from 1886 to 1888.
Some 60 of the renowned Post-Impressionist's works are on display at “Van Gogh in Paris: a Dialogue with Modernism," at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul.
“Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat”(1887) by Vincent van Gogh
It sheds light on the two years of the artist's works when he moved from the Netherlands to Paris and developed his unique style through trial and error.
Van Gogh lived a meager life but his works are now loved by people across the world and Korea is no exception, proven by the crowds at the exhibition.
"Visitors first wonder why this exhibition focuses on Van Gogh's Paris period, since there were not many famous paintings produced during this period. However, once they see the pieces, they understand the importance of this time in developing Van Gogh's style," said organizer of the exhibit Kim Jin-young of the Hankook Ilbo Cultural Project Center.
She said Van Gogh was not a natural genius when it came to painting but worked at it with endless effort.
"Most people know his later works from the Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise period, but understanding the Paris period is essential to fully appreciate the later works," said Kim.
Van Gogh was prolific during his stay in Paris. The exhibit begins with works from Nuenen, the Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium, which are mostly realistic and dark portrayals of peasant life. The Paris works range from landscapes and still lifes to celebrated self-portraits, showcasing the variety of styles he practiced.
"Van Gogh was never taught art professionally but constantly studied color and artistic style when he was in Paris. The bold contrast of colors in works such as 'A Crab on its Back' or 'Ploughed Field' (The Furrows) he created in Arles after leaving Paris show the change Van Gogh went through," Kim said.
Lee Hye-won, a 30-year-old office worker, came to see the exhibition with her friends.
"Van Gogh's Paris period was a time of endless effort and research. Works displayed for this exhibit was not from the painter's golden age but I was moved by the changes Van Gogh went through with unsparing efforts," she said. "I reflected on myself and decided to try something new for the New Year, just like Van Gogh did."
She bought a coffee cup with a print of Van Gogh's "Almond Blossoms" on it. "This is one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings, though it isn’t a part of this exhibition. It is ironic that Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime but now his works are considered as some of the most expensive artworks in history," Lee said.
Another visitor, Cho Min-jung, said she enjoyed seeing the artist’s works in person. "There are many digital images of Van Gogh paintings on the Internet but they can't convey the true color and strong impression of the originals," Cho said.
"Van Gogh in Paris" is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sunday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. To provide the best art appreciation experience, the number admitted to the gallery is limited and visitors might have to take a number and wait. Those who want to see the works at their leisure, Sunday mornings, weekdays and Saturdays after 6 p.m. are less crowded.
Admission is 15,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for students and 8,000 won for children under 12. A special discount of 2,000 won is available on Saturdays after 6 p.m.
The exhibition runs through March 24. For more information, visit www.vangogh2.com or call 1588-2618.