heckit's blog: Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cézanne, and Beyond

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cézanne, and Beyond

Van Gogh’s Bedroom at Arles by Vincent Van Gogh © RMN

On Friday, I attended the Post-impressionism exhibit, “Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and Beyond” at the de Young Museum. I thought there would be less people at for my 6:00 pm entrance but it was quite full. The previous exhibit was wonderful and this one was just as great, not too large to take it in an evening and with sufficient depth to come away moved.

While I find the pointillism of Georges Serrat too intellectual, I was mesmerized by his work, especially his small studies which were aligned at the end of the room. There is one of a nude woman’s back with is delightful. Desiree suggested we get the audio tour, which I usually decline. At Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” the commentary ended with a prolonged segment of piano music, probably Debussy, which heightened the experience of the paintings. Looking at Toulouse-Lautrec’s fine draftsmanship and composition and Van Gogh’s vibrant color alone was worth the price of admission. I learned about the Nabi (Hebrew for Prophet). Their paintings depicted the realm between observed and inner reality. I was drawn to the design and flat color and pattern in the works.The Talisman by Paul Sérusier is a remarkable small work. Next to it isLandscape with Green Trees by Maurice Denis with its simple design and masterful use of color.

This exhibit inspired Yoriko/Xavier and Pang/Yukino to paint en plein air in the city. I was able to join them on at the Fort Mason Community Garden for some dabbling and pleasurable creativity.