While Vincent Van Gogh may have begun his roots in the art scene, his works have garnered such legendary status that they expanded beyond the original medium. Paintings like The Starry Night and Sunflowers are recognised by art lovers and the general public alike, eliciting a sense of awe when you cast your eyes on them. And at Resorts World Sentosa, you can now see his works in a new light with Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
The digital art experience has been making waves worldwide. It now makes its Southeast Asian debut in Singapore, with Resorts World Sentosa being the canvas where the exhibition will take place. Running now till 1 October 2023, visitors will get to see the world of Vincent van Gogh in a multitude of forms.
With more than 300 of Van Gogh’s artworks on display across various thematic zones, there is much to see at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience — here are some of the exhibition’s highlights.
About the Artist, Van Gogh
Visitors begin their journey through the exhibition with a winding route featuring self-portraits of Van Gogh. The piercing gaze from the various portraits almost feels as though the artist himself is eyeing your trek through the maze-like trail.
Eventually, you will reach the first area, with the segment dubbed ‘About the Artist’. Here, you can see several of Van Gogh’s iconic works up close, like the Sunflowers series or his 1890 painting Wheatfield with Crows. While I may not be an art enthusiast, seeing these artworks in the flesh creates a sense of wonder.
But his works come in more than just the standard portrait frames. Visitors can also experience his art in other dynamic ways, such as light projections shined on various object surfaces that bring a different dimension to how you view his work.
And there are interactive installations too. If you’re familiar with Van Gogh’s famous work Bedroom in Arles, the room has been recreated in real-life while still retaining the artist’s style within its design. It is a surreal feeling to walk and interact with this painting that has come to life!
Dotted around the segment are anecdotes about his life’s story, where you can learn more about Van Gogh. Finally, one is dedicated to his siblings, specifically his sisters, as it shares information about the Van Gogh family.
Overall, if you want to get a feel of what the influential artist was like, this segment is an illuminating display of knowledge and appreciation.
The Immersive Room
The Immersive Room is the biggest showcase from Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a visual spectacle for visitors to take in his works.
The large space is an all-immersive experience, with digital projections lighting up the entire area. Across the 40-minute showpiece, you’ll see a wide range of Van Gogh’s works be animated into life as you envelop yourself in the stunning light and audio show.
What’s great is that chairs and cushions are available around the area for you to relax. So grab a seat, unwind, and take in the enchanting sights and sounds!
Virtual Reality Experience
For a different immersive journey, visitors need only venture out from The Immersive Room to find the next part of the exhibition — the virtual reality (VR) segment.
Several VR headsets are set up in this area for the “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles” experience, a 10-minute experiential VR journey that brings audiences up close and personal with Van Gogh’s art pieces.
Next to the VR experience is the Sketch & Post section. This optional activity allows guests to get in on the action by creating their own art piece, with various colouring materials available to realise your masterpiece fully.
Once you’re done, you can bring your work to a device at the centre, where you can scan it onto a live screen and present it for other visitors to view.
Thematic Cafe of Sweet Treats
What better way to end your exhibition experience than with some sweet treats? At the end of your journey through Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, you’ll reach the thematic cafe space where you can indulge in some Van Gogh-themed food items made in collaboration with Janice Wong.
Catching the eye immediately is the selection of ice cream available. The flavours are inspired by the varying works of Van Gogh, alongside new Japanese-related options that are in line with the Japan culture-grounded showcase introduced into the Singapore edition of the exhibition. I got the Blueberry Starry Night ice cream, which of course, references his iconic art piece.
Besides ice cream, the cafe offers beverages such as coffee and tea to quench your thirst after roaming the exhibition. You’ll also be able to pair them with some of the delectable bakes on offer, like croissants, quiches, and sandwiches.
Lastly, be sure to take home some artisanal mini-cakes. They have also been themed to Van Gogh’s paintings and beautifully embody the character of the artworks, like the sunny bright yellow ‘Vase with Fifteen sunflowers”. It almost feels guilty to dig in!
Before you leave the exhibition, check out the merch store in the same area as the cafe. The store sells exclusive exhibition merchandise, from tote bags and prints to special edition skateboards.
If you are a fan of the artist, here’s your chance to grab some Van Gogh aesthetics for the home or to style yourself with!
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Date: 1 March to Q3 2023
Location: Resorts World Sentosa, B1 The Forum, 26 Sentosa Gateway, Level B1, 098138
Price: S$24 (Adults), S$15 (Child)
Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays), 10am to 9pm (Fridays & Saturdays), 10am to 7pm (Sundays) | Closed on Tuesdays
Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased on Fever. For more information on Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, visit their official website.
Photos by Russell Loh of the DANAMIC Team.
*Article updated with new details