America seems to have a fascination with immersive Van Gogh exhibits-- pop up productions that create projector-size versions of paintings by renowned Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, transforming venues into three dimensional galleries of art and light.
Possibly fueled by a scene from the Netflix comedy “Emily in Paris,” the fervor for the Instagram and Tik Tok friendly cinematic experience has led to cities hosting multiple iterations of immersive Van Gogh concept, prompting the Better Business Bureau to issue an alert to consumers cautioning them to double check websites to make sure they were buying tickets to the correct exhibit, ArtNet reported in March.
According to a June article from the publication, there are at least five different creative agencies producing versions of the immersive shows, including “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” created by French-Canadian creative director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal-based Normal Studio and co produced by Paquin Entertainment, Beyond Exhibitions, and Outback events. “Beyond Van Gogh” has hosted exhibits in a number of cities including Austin, Detroit, and Miami.
While news about “Beyond Van Gogh” coming to Birmingham has been public since at least May when the production released limited information on a city-specific Facebook page and the website Vangoghbirmingham.com, the team had yet to reveal a host venue and date for ticket sales, encouraging interested patrons sign up on the website for future details.
But here’s good news for immersive Van Gogh hopefuls in Alabama-- a venue and ticket date have been announced. Tuesday, the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex announced it would be the host venue for “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” which will open on November 17 in the BJCC’s North Exhibition Hall 1. Tickets for the exhibit will be available for purchase on Friday, Sept. 17 at vangoghbirmingham.com. Prices start at $32.99 for adults and $21.99 for children, according to a press release.
Billed as a “sensory extravaganza,” patrons will be able to view more than 300 works from the post-Impressionist artist , including classics such as " Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and ‘Café Terrace at Night,” as well as a number of self-portraits.
Here’s more about what to expect from “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” according to the release:
“Guests are transported into Van Gogh’s world through an all new, exclusively designed space comprised of three areas that segue fluidly into each other. The Education Room leads into the unique Waterfall Room which flows into the Immersive Experience Room. Freed from their frames, Van Gogh’s spectacular paintings appear on projection-swathed walls inviting guests to fully immerse themselves into the incredible detail of his work and be enveloped in his ever-shifting, swirling and colorful flowers, cafes and stunning landscapes. And, hearing the artist’s own dreams, thoughts and words set to a symphonic score drives an unmatched narrative experience.”
COVID-19 protocols are still in effect for the BJCC. All BJCC staff wear face coverings. The BJCC recommends all patrons wear face coverings while inside of its venues and while attending shows. The BJCC lists its COVID-19 updates and attendee protocols (including sanitation guidelines) on its website.
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