Current

You ’ ve seen the shows in Boston and New York — now it ’ s Providence ’ s turn to share in the larger-than-life tributes to Vincent Van Gogh . “ Beyond Van Gogh : The Immersive Experience ” is coming to the Rhode Island Convention Center May 17 through July 8 , featuring more than 300 of the artist ’ s paintings , including “ The Starry Night ,” “ Sunflowers ,” “ Café Terrace at Night ” and his many self-portraits . “ He ’ s oddly relevant right now ,” says Fanny Curtat , an art historian who consulted on the project with Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and Montreal-based Normal Studio . “ He was known for his struggles and darkness , but he was able to turn that into something candescent .” Visitors will be treated to visions of the post-impressionist ’ s paintings swirling around immense walls and floors as they hear his thoughts and words set to a symphonic score . The 30,000 square feet of space is divided into three areas , following Van Gogh ’ s creative development as he traveled from his native Netherlands to Paris and then to the south of France , his works growing lighter and brighter as he went . More than 2.5 million people across the world have seen the traveling show since it began touring in October 2020 . Even more impressive : Van Gogh only painted during the last ten years of his life , creating more than 2,000 oil paintings , watercolors and sketches before dying at the age of thirty-seven . Ticket prices start at $ 39.99 for adults , $ 23.99 for children ages five to fifteen . Hours are Sunday – Thursday , 10 a . m .– 9 p . m .; Friday – Saturday , 10 a . m .– 10 p . m . Rhode Island Convention Center , 1 Sabin St ., Providence , 800-441-0819 , vangoghprovidence . com — DANA LAVERTY

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BEYOND VAN GOGH : THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE / TIMOTHY NORRIS .

RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MAY 2022 17