It has been a long, long time since I last posted -- I wondered for awhile if I would ever post again. But I recently visited the Van Gogh Up Close exhibition at the wonderful Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I had to give a shout out for this show.
The exhibition contains pieces from museums and private collections from all over the world, and highlights Van Gogh's work during the last four years of his life. In particular, the exhibition focuses on his intense, close-up studies of the natural world -- irises, wheat, grass, and of course some of those famous tournesols. What really stood out to me, more than anything else, was just how much paint Van Gogh applied to his canvases, and texture and three-dimensionality that creates when you view the paintings live.
If you live in or near Philadelphia, I strongly urge you to go (and make sure to buy tickets ahead of time), it is well worth the money. Plus, your ticket includes admission into the rest of the museum, which is a standout in its own right.
Before or after visiting the exhibition, I recommend having brunch, lunch, or dinner at the Belgian Cafe, which is just a short walk from the Art Museum.
