While Van Gogh is not stated as the greatest artist of all time too often, though almost always in the top ten, arguably he is readily known as the most popular artist in history.
The phenomenon is that is art seems grow in popularity year after year despite his death back in 1890. Consider the vast numbers of large scale, warehouse-sized, immersive, digital exhibitions of his legendary artwork popping up all over the world.
Why is that? Are you curious? I have tried hard over the years to look closely at the artist, break things down and see how his techniques can be applied today. I feel art is tiring and needs some rejuvenation. Hence, I have coined the term, Van Gogh unlocked.
One of the most pronounced, standout features of his artwork is his use of impasto oil paint.
I recall the Van Gogh exhibition in 2017 which saw the greatest attendance in the history of the NGV till this day. I went seven times. What was fascinating for me to listen to random comments made by viewers, as we looked at his original paintings.
Gorgeous, magnificent, ahhhhhh….amazing use of colour, as many superlatives as you can utter. Eyes lit up! People were enthralled and fixated by the beauty.
What was the consistent hall mark of the works? Not just colours. But the Impasto; thick textured, almost sculpted paint that makes a statement.
Why is impasto so valuable and why did Van Gogh use it the way he did? If you have come this far, go a little further and see this short video I have made to answer those questions; see it below: