Beyond Van Gogh: Go for the (pricey) “pow”, not the art…

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience comes to Rhode Island, with a May 17th (new date) opening at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. While not intended to be an “art exhibit” – it is a “psychedelic experience of classic art” – and we wonder if the artist would be delighted or stunned silent. In any case, the “immersive experience”, a walk-through of sight and sound, will indeed immerse you as though you are in a kaleidoscope, with digital displays, sound effects, and projection mapping.

For all the sensory delight, the experience will set you back – particularly if you go as a family – with $39.99 per adult (or over 15) and $23.00 for children 5 to 15. PLUS ticketing fees. A family of four – 2 adults, 2 young’uns will cost you $125.98 – plus fees. In Boston the fees are $5 per ticket, so that’s another $20. And then there’s parking, which is additional. Tickets go on sale FRIDAY, JANUARY 28TH.

Keep in mind that for $80, a 2-adult family could buy a one year membership in the Rhode Island Museum of Art – and children are always free (under 18).

The experience has been called “dizzying, overwhelming. You’re overwhelmed by the technology.” Professor C. Shaw Smith said, “In the original works, what you’re really talking about is the hand. In this case, you’re talking about the eye. The immersive presentation is a way to create accessibility and the spectacle. It has very little to do with the art itself.” Another reviewer from the Boston exhibit, in the Boston Globe, referred to “…the incessant gyrating — the sky in “Starry Night,” is a slow, constant tornado…”

If you can swing the large price, we’d say – go! Don’t think this replaces the opportunity to see the brushstrokes in a VanGogh sunflower, but go for the wow – because our lives have been a whole lot of grey for a whole lot of months now.

The whole experience is timed at one hour – note, no strollers allowed. No seating, though some will sit on the floor. In some cities VIP tickets have included cushions, but at this time that isn’t mentioned for Providence. Timing is important, so don’t be late – timing assures COVID safety attendance numbers.

From the promoters:

Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. Now imagine experiencing all of this art liberated from its two-dimensional limitations into a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influential artists the world has known. It’s all part of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which has sold over 2.5 million tickets globally, making it one of the most popular current traveling exhibitions. 

The sensory extravaganza is produced by Paquin Entertainment Group and presented by Metropolitan Entertainment and Frank J. Russo.  The exhibition will open at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children ages five to 15, plus ticketing fees. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m. at www.vangoghprovidence.com 

While journeying through Beyond Van Gogh guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and ‘Café Terrace at Night,” as well many revealing self-portraits.  Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, was created by French-Canadian Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio.

“An imaginative and fully-immersive adventure, Beyond Van Gogh takes on the challenge of breathing new life into Van Gogh’s vast body of work. Through the use of cutting-edge 3D projection technology and music to illuminate all of his genius, guests can experience the artist with all their senses,” says Mathieu St-Arnaud, Normal Studio.

Guests are transported into Van Gogh’s world through an all new, exclusively designed space comprised of three areas that segue fluidly into each other. The Introduction Hall leads into the unique Waterfall Room which flows into the Immersive Experience Room. Freed from their frames, Van Gogh’s spectacular paintings appear on projection-swathed walls inviting guests to fully immerse themselves into the incredible detail of his work and be enveloped in his ever-shifting, swirling and colorful flowers, cafes and stunning landscapes. And, hearing the artist’s own dreams, thoughts and words set to a symphonic score drives an unmatched narrative experience.

“This distinctive and unique multimedia artistic adventure is deeply resonating with audiences. Encompassing a refreshing new twist unlike art lovers have seen before, Beyond Van Gogh gives a new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work. Unsurprisingly millions of people all over the world credit Van Gogh with enhancing their relationship with art. Beyond Van Gogh will only strengthen that connection,” says Justin Paquin, Producer, Paquin Entertainment Group.

Cinematic Van Gogh exhibitions have crossed the ocean from European cities to North America in recent years and met with great critical acclaim, with sold-out audiences in every market. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, continues to amaze audiences as art lovers near and far will have the opportunity to live this truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Beyond Van Gogh will run from May 17th through July 8th. Sunday through Thursday hours are 10am to 9pm & Friday and Saturday hours are 10am to 10pm. Final entry of the day is 1 hour before closing.

The Rhode Island Convention Center is located at One Sabin Street, in downtown Providence.

TICKETS: Go to: www.vangoghprovidence.com

About Normal Studio:

Pushing the boundaries of performing arts, entertainment, and public installations since 2009, Normal Studio believes in making life legendary. Using multimedia magic and fusing physical and technological elements to transform spaces into full-on immersive experiences, Normal Studio tells stories in new and different ways by re-imagining what’s possible. The result is a unique adventure that sparks awe and wonder, making an unforgettable impact on people’s everyday lives.

About Paquin Entertainment Group:

Established in 1985, Paquin Entertainment Group is a leading, full-service North American arts and entertainment company with offices operating in Winnipeg, Toronto, Vancouver and Nashville. Paquin Entertainment Group is home to a diverse portfolio, including artist agency and management, film and television, theatrical production, brand partnership, and touring exhibitions. Since its inception, Paquin Entertainment Group’s core vision remains unchanged: to foster a creative culture that seeks and develops the world’s premier artists and productions. For more information visit www.paquinentertainment.com