Vincent van Gogh Pop-up Museum Road Trips the USA, Stops at King of Prussia Mall, PA
What do Vincent van Gogh and the King of Prussia Mall have in common? Pop into the Pop-up and have a look-see.
“I can’t change the fact that my paintings don’t sell. But the time will come when people will recognize that they are worth more than the value of the paints used in the picture.” – Vincent van Gogh
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
When I think of Vincent Willem van Gogh, who happens to be my favorite painter as well as writer, I imagine his painterly style of vibrant colors and confident brush strokes. Tulips in Amsterdam. Sunflowers. Starry nights. And yes, the Don MacLean tune, a lyric of which declares, “This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.”
Now I imagine the King of Prussia Mall (this seeming dichotomy of subjects will soon make sense) … images of crowds, parking-lot drama and over-spending. This much I know: I have never once associated Vincent with the KOP mall until the morning of August 16th, when I met other media members there to check out the debut of the first-ever traveling version of Amsterdam’s own Van Gogh Museum.
Vincent and the KOP Mall seem an unlikely pairing, but guess what? It works! Just outside the Lord & Taylor store adjacent to Starbucks, Amsterdam meets the States in pop-up style. From August 16th through October 14th, 2018, visitors can view (and even touch!) incredibly authentic-appearing works on display. So realistic are the reproductions, one could be challenged to identify the real deal from these likenesses. There’s a reason for this: all of the famous pieces on show were curator-approved by some of the finest artistic precisionists.
According to a media advisory I received in my press kit, the use of “highly advanced fine-art reproduction technology developed by Fujifilm Europe, these premium quality, three-dimensional replicas of van Gogh’s masterpieces pay exclusive tribute to his artistic genius and original, unique approach to art.” This is the process that enables viewers to appreciate said pieces as they may the originals hanging in Amsterdam. Actually, the non-originals can be purchased with proceeds going towards the Van Gogh Museum, supporting its mission and its various programs designed to make the artist’s works “more accessible to a global audience.” Here are the nine paintings on display: Almond Blossoms, Sunflowers, The Harvest, Wheatfield under Thunderclouds, Boulevard de Clichy, Undergrowth, The Bedroom, Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-lar Mer and Landscape at Twilight.
That morning we were fortunate to have a celebratory guest of honor … none other than Willem van Gogh, Vincent’s brother Theo’s great grandson. Gracious and warm, friendly and interesting, he made himself available for press interviews as well as shepherding the exhibit tour, sharing his vast store of knowledge on “all things Vincent.” According to Willem, he “always enjoyed being surrounded by Vincent van Gogh’s art when I stayed over at my grandfather’s house. It was an extraordinary privilege that I cherish to this day.”
Admission to the exhibition is $5; children under ten get in free of charge. As always, a shout out to main sponsor, SAMSUNG for helping to make this wonderful opportunity a reality. And don’t forget to (you can’t miss- or avoid it) ogle the magnitude of merchandise. During my morning tour, I was told yet another truck was on its way with even more merch … all for a great cause!
One of these days, Maker-willing, I aim to make my way to Amsterdam. I realize that Vincent was a visionary (see article-opening quote), but would he know what a “bucket list” is?
For more information, visit Van Gogh Museum Pop-Up tour.
Stunning display at one entrance to Lord & Taylor. Ladies: this is just the tip of the merch iceberg. Show your Vincent love via accessories.
Take your pick or opt for both: each side of the entrance features either fashion replications of Vincent’s cherry blossom- or sunflowers.
What else but sunflowers at a pop-up museum that’s 100% Vincent-related?
The pop-up museum as seen from the on high perspective of the second floor just outside of the Lory & Taylor store.
Give up the props for super hands-on sponsors.
Vincent’s painting’s reproductions frame Samsung’s duel-duty state-of-the-art technology.
A panoply of sunflowers invigorate with color an exhibit already laden with the artist’s love of shiny, happy color combos featured in so many of his works.
This is one clean, neat and modern presentation with its perfect composition and display of works along with explanatory photos and detailed information cubes.
The purity of white and arrangement of colorful replications stand-out amid the black and white related and fascinating facts’ cubed boxes. A mall shopper would be hard-pressed to not venture toward the visually arresting pop-up museum.
Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Close-up of previous photo shows just how carefully selected were the reproductions.
The Bedroom is one of the artist’s most recognizable pieces.
I was here … literally. Not in the paining but with feet planted terra firma at the actual site.
Vincent’s Letters to Theo is a must-read. He writes arguably as well as he paints.
Sharon Kozden with Vincent van Gogh’s brother Theo’s great grandson, Willem van Gogh. Was I channeling Vincent when choosing my dress for the occasion? So close are the blue hues in both dress and painting.
Willem van Gogh … posing before Almond Blossom, doesn’t steal the show in his crisp white threads; however, he’s definitely stylin’.
Willem demonstrates his breadth of knowledge about Vincent and his works. This recorded piece is part of the museum’s wealth of educational offerings.
Merch is plentiful. Matter of fact, at the media preview, a woman told me what I photographed was just the beginning, as a massive truck was on its way with more, more and more.
What would Vincent think if he could see such versions of his Almond Blossoms?
What Vincent lover can resist this darling bag and tee, Dahlings?
I should have asked Willem how to say “TRUTH!” (as regards this quote) in Dutch.
Kidster fun!
Kiddies: color me with bold primary colors or … even better … use your own wonderful imaginations.
It’s such a treat to have an actual familial descendant on hand for the media preview and more.
As a long-time lover of both Vincent’s art and writing, I could’ve planted a chair and hung on every one of Willem’s words about the artist, his works and his life.
I was informed that this letter from Vincent to his beloved brother Theo was a rather recent find. Note Vincent’s unmistakable signature.
A man, an artist and a thinker with a vision ahead of its time. More evidence of a man ahead of his time.
During my visit, I recall the ivy here being thick and verdant. All visitors in this hallowed area were reverent, quiet, thoughtful and sober.
My photograph of Vincent’s grave site hangs in my office at home.
The idea was to bring my book to the exhibit; however, I plumb forgot. Was hoping to ask Willem to kindly inscribe a word or two and to sign it. Mayhap if and when I get to Amsterdam.
