The “Van Gogh Alive Experience” in Dubai is not very “alive” but is definitely an experience.  An “immersion”, the show involves multiple projectors set up everywhere in a large room – truly, everywhere, from the floor to multiple screens to the ceiling – projecting images of van Gogh’s work along with quotes from the  artist accompanied by a classical soundtrack.  You lie on beanbags on the floor to soak it all in.    There is also an exhibit explaining the phases of his life and work relating to each phase, and even an area where you can try drawing in Van Gogh’s style yourself.  All in all, not an experience that will “blow you away” but a fine (and air conditioned) way to spend a warm Spring afternoon in Dubai.

I suggest you spend some time with the exhibits carrying you through stages of Van Gogh’s life.  It’s fascinating to see how his work in each period corresponds with what was happening in his life at the time that they were painted.    I was familiar with many of his works and of course the fact that he cut off his ear…. But learned much more about his fascinating life, works, and demise.  And being more familiar with the phases of his life and work makes the media show all the more entertaining.

The Experience is found in a large building near the D3 (the Dubai Design District) and runs through April 23^rd.   Definitely take some time before or after to have a meal, coffee, or just walk through D3 and its many modern outdoor art delights (my favorite are the TALLLL chairs and the astroturf loungers….).

Quote from van Gogh: “I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.” It is interesting to see quotes from the famous artist displayed with the artwork.

“In the end we will have had enough of cynicism, skepticism, and humbug, and we will want to live more musically.” Another van Gogh quote that surprised me.

“But for one’s health…. it is important to work in the garden and see the flowers growing…” Van Gogh

Not the most impressive part of the exhibit, but interesting – a recreation of Van Gogh’s bedroom. In his paintings of the room, he included several of his other works – the only paintings in which he did this.

My husband Jimmy sketches in the portion of the exhibit that invites visitors to try their hand at sketching (Jimmy does lots of sketching always… why not here?)