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Vincent Van Gogh's 'Bedroom' Paintings to Be Featured at the Art Institute of Chicago, 2/14
By: Christina Mancuso Jan. 20, 2016
Vincent van Gogh's painting of his bedroom in Arles is arguably the most famous chambre in the history of art. So important was this composition that van Gogh made three distinct versions and considered it his finest painting. Now, for the first time in North America, all three versions of the painting will be together in an exhibition titled Van Gogh's Bedrooms at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Opening on February 14, 2016, the exhibition is the first ever dedicated to the Bedroom paintings, presenting an in-depth study of documentary, scientific, and physical evidence pertaining to all three versions. Beginning with Van Gogh's early canvases of cottages and birds' nests, the show explores the artist's use of the motif of home as a haven, creative chamber, and physical reality. Enhancing the exploration of the artist's artworks and his longing for a place of his own are several engaging interactive technologies designed in partnership with Bluecadet. A digitally enhanced reconstruction of his bedroom allows visitors the chance to experience the physical reality of the space that so inspired him, while other enriching digital components bring to light significant recent scientific research on the three Bedroom paintings.
An illustrated exhibition catalog with a lead essay from Gloria Groom, Chair of European Painting and Sculpture and David and Mary Winton Green Curator, will be published by the Art Institute of Chicago in partnership with Yale University Press.
Associated Events
Opening Night Gala
February 20, 6:30 PM, Griffin Court
The Old Masters Society (OMS) celebrates the opening of Van Gogh's Bedrooms with a festive gala for OMS members and the Art Institute community featuring cocktails, an exclusive viewing of the exhibitions, and a special dinner in Griffin Court.
February 25, 6:00 PM, Rubloff Auditorium
Who were Van Gogh's favorite artists? Steven Naifeh, co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Van Gogh: The Life, explores the wide range of artists who so deeply affected the brilliant, troubled young painter's life and art. Lecture - Van Gogh's Bedrooms
February 24, 10:45 AM, Morton Auditorium
$28 MEMBERS, $38 NONMEMBERS
The Community Associates welcome art historian and scholar Margaret Farr as she examines the scientific and physical evidence related to all three versions of the painting that Van Gogh considered to be his greatest. Registration is openFebruary 2-9; to register, contact Nancy Swanson at naiswanson@wowway.com. Presented by Naperville Community Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago.
March 17, 6:00 PM, Griffin Court
March 31, 6:00 PM , Fullerton Hall
Using clips from feature films, documentaries, and shorts, Facets directors Milos Stehlik explores how filmmakers' depictions of Van Gogh changed over time, followed by a screening of Alain Resnais' Van Gogh (1948). Screenings - Films for Van Gogh
April 7, 6:00 PM, Price Auditorium
April 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1:00 PM Price Auditorium
April 7, 6:00 PM - Paul Cox's VINCENT (1987)
April 8, 1:00 PM - LUST FOR LIFE (1956)
April 16, 1:00 PM - VINCENT & THEO (1990)
April 23, 1:00 PM - VAN GOGH (1991)
April 30, 1:00 PM - THE EYES OF VAN GOGH (2005) Performance - Van Gogh's Letters
April 14, 6:00 PM, Fullerton Hall
April 17, 2:00 PM, Fullerton Hall
A cast of Chicago actors brings to life the dramatic biography and gripping words of Vincent Van Gogh, drawn from letters written to and from his family in the decades or so after Van Gogh left his home, and before his move to the south of France in 1988.
Lead support has been provided by the Estate of Jacquet McConville.
Major support has been generously provided by Caryn and King Harris, The Harris Family Foundation; the Gilchrist Foundation; and Evonne and John Yonover. Additional funding has been contributed by the Mason Foundation and Charlene and Mark Novak. Annual support for Art Institute exhibitions is provided by the Exhibitions Trust: Kenneth Griffin, Robert M. and Diane v. S. Levy, Thomas and Margot Pritzker, Betsy Bergman Rosenfield and Andrew M. Rosenfield, the Earl and Brenda Shapiro Foundation, and the Women's Board. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
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