Tuesday 26 April 2011

V is for Vincent



Vincent van Gogh

30th March 1853 - 29th July 1890




Vincent, a Dutch post impressionist painter, who only sold one painting during his life is now one of the worlds most famous artists. Like many creative people he led a troubled life with various bouts of mental health problems.

As well as painting he is also famous for self harming, resulting in cutting off his own ear, or part of it. Finally in frustration from being at the peak of his ability, but being too depressed to work, he shot himself in the chest with a revolver dying 2 days later from the wounds inflicted.

Possibly even more famous than Vincent himself, is the song written about him by Don Mclean. This is from the 1971 album American Pie that also features a track that shares the Albums title.

I found the following video on YouTube that combines the song and the art perfectly.


Van Gogh's style may not suit everyone but much of modern art is influenced by and inspired by his work. Our world would be quite dull without the colours and vibrancy we have become used to.