The Neue Galerie in New York has an exhibit on “Van Gogh and Expressionism,” which I found quite wonderful.
(An interesting slide show about the exhibit on Slate can be found here)
The more I look at Van Gogh’s range of paintings the less I understand. His style, his “message” is perpetually confounding to me, perpetually mysterious. This is strange because he is such a popular (accessible?) painter.
When I look at the below painting, one of the many at this exhibit that moved me, I have a sense of confusion and wonder at the very existence of such an object.
The boats seem to exhist on a dimension more crisp and sharp that the ones we are familiar with. It is a real plane of existence, out there.
I could say more, but… I’m so glad I don’t get paid to have to speak or write of such holy matters.
Vincent Van Gogh. Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (1888)
Van Gogh Museum
Giorgio de Chirico
November 28, 2006
Сергий строитель
November 25, 2006
Sergius the Builder. Nicholas Roerich, 1925
Tempera on canvas.
N.Roerich International Centre-Museum, Moscow
