It’s a scene anyone familiar with the work of artist Vincent van Gogh would be intimately acquainted with: a bedroom, slightly askew, with cheerful blue walls sparsely decorated with paintings, a half-open window, a pair of chairs, small side table with glassware arranged on it, a rumpled towel hanging to dry on a wall, a weathered door, and a modest twin-sized bed. It was a bedroom that van Gogh painted several times, one that would immediately cause any student of art or even casual aficionado to have a jolt of recognition. In Singapore, artists have brought that bedroom to life with a life-size and interactive display.
Taking inspiration from the classic painting “Bedroom in Arles,” visitors can literally step inside a classic scene of the famous artist’s residence. That particular bedroom was important to van Gogh. He stayed in it while living in France and it was the last place he lived before being admitted to an asylum, where he would later die.
The Singaporean organizers were inspired by the well-known bedroom, as well as a recent similar display at the Art Institute in Chicago. The Singaporean display is a part of a furniture expo that has morphed into something of an art show in of itself. The people behind the creation of the van Gogh bedroom worked closely with furniture makers to custom make the bed and side table in the tableau. They also employed professional watercolor painters to reproduce the works hanging on the walls of van Gogh’s bedroom. Then, it was a matter of paint. Those who participated in the project were given the unique challenge of reproducing a master’s work — a practice common in art education — but with a twist: everything was going to be life size and in 3-D. However, they achieved the feat admirably — and in just less than a week. The room looks like the “Bedroom in Arles” painting come to life. Many visitors at the furniture and home expo flocked to the display, taking photos and interacting with the irresistible artwork.
Make art come to life in your own world by signing up to take an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com online to see the wealth of art classes available to you. Whether your passion lies in watercolor painting or acrylic painting, nail art or fashion drawing, chalk pastel art or found art, there is sure to be an art class to pique your passion and lead you on a creative journey. Teachers trained specifically to address the needs of artists of all skill levels will be on hand to give you background and historical information about your chosen class, as well as helping you develop the skills needed to complete the projects you’re most interested in. Take the time from your schedule to find your artistic passion.
To read more about the display of Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vincent-van-goghs-bedroom-in-arles-comes-to-life-at-show.