This month we want to encourage you to visit the “Van Gogh Alive the experience” exhibition in Alicante. It is in the Exhibition Centre (Lonja del Pescado) not far from the bus station and will be running until the 16th December so you have time to go and see it before it moves on. It is open from 10:00 until 22:00 Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10:00 to 19:00 on Sundays and is closed on Mondays. Prices are €14 for adults, €12 for seniors, €9 for children 4 – 15 and under 4 are free. You can also buy Family Packs which reduce the entrance fee so it only cost us €21 using the 1 adult/1 child family pack.
When we arrived at around 13:30 on a Saturday, we were instantly thrown into the world of Van Gogh with quotes on the walls, a life size 3D replica of his “Bedroom in Arles” painting and a larger than life statue of a right ear. There was a sign on the cash desk to say that there were no tickets left for 13:00 so we pre-purchased tickets for 14:00. I didn´t realise that there was a limit to tickets and entrances so it might be worth contacting them in advance if a group of you want to go. We retraced our steps and had a fruit juice at a nearby cafe whilst talking about how excited we were to see what else was inside.
After returning just before 14:00 we went straight in and were surrounded by the life and works of Vincent Willem van Gogh. There were large information boards that described in both Spanish and English, the history of van Gogh and the different styles of his artwork that were heavily influenced by his short journey through life and the changing stages of his mental health.
We came to an area where there were drink and snack machines, a shop selling numerous items, such as mugs, notebooks, t-shirts and bags that feature his more famous artworks, toilets and an area where kids can sit and create their own little pieces of art that are subsequently displayed on the walls. It was then that we noticed a doorway with some heavy black curtains covering it.
We quietly opened them and were instantly drawn into a dark space that was filled with giant screens including one on the floor and noticed lots of bean bags and chairs below them. We spotted a great location where we could see the most screens and got comfy. After a little while music started to play and suddenly the screens were filled with the landscapes, portraits, paintings, letters and changing locations that Vincent van Gogh produced and experienced during his life. It was truly amazing to see the history of this famous artist literally flash before your eyes. I am not actually sure how long it lasted as we were lying there opened mouthed, engulfed in everything Van Gogh. The music was amazing and helped to envoke a range of emotions as we were taken on a totally immersive journey through the pleasures and torments that the artist experienced in his life.
Once it had finished, we felt completely inspired and in an adjoining room we spotted some easels all set up with paper and freshly sharpened pencils. There were 2 screens that showed you how to draw a human body, a face and a landscape and Ashlee and I spent quite a while trying to perfect our skills. It was a great way to end the day and we got to bring home an extra reminder of the exhibition. We thoroughly recommend this new style of exhibition, even if you are not a huge fan, you will learn something about the dramatic life and times of Vincent van Gogh and see art in a whole new way.
Did you know that in a 10 year period Vincent van Gogh produced over 2,000 works of art including paintings, drawings and sketches? Unfortunately for him, the millions that his artwork is sold for today was something he could never have imagined as he only sold 1 painting in his lifetime for approximately £1,480 / €1,660 in 1890.
Have a great Christmas
Until next time
Star and Ashlee
xxx
