Customer Reviews

Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having seen the MOMA exhibit myself several times, I couldn't help myself from respectfully putting another point of view out there after reading the two reviews that seem to say that the theme of Van Gogh's night paintings was weak or contrived. I know the reviewers are not questioning the works themselves, but the exhibit on which the book is based, so if you like Van Gogh you are probably looking to see if this specific interpretation from MOMA is worthwhile. It is. I found it very illuminating and fail to see how one couldn't come to the conclusion that the night paintings were core to how Van Gogh saw his world. It seems cynical to put forth that it was just a random collection of "some paintings he did at night". I wish that those of you who were not able to see this wonderful exhibit could have felt the quiet magic that leaped off of these paintings, and the way they were grouped together created a cohesive theme and mood. The Potato Eaters, the Dancehall in Arles, the outdoor scenes, all describe a world that couldn't be seen the same way under the brightness of the sun. The few daytime paintings provided contrast and insight into a greater whole about his life and work, and why/how he was painting the way he did. I almost felt like deleting this review because I can't possibly describe the way I felt when I connected with these night moods, and the person who channeled them. But I couldn't let this book sit here with a 2-star review because with all the various offerings of Van Gogh books out there, it would be a shame to miss out on a wonderful way of looking at him. In lieu of a MOMA visit, then, this book is an excellent choice.

I cannot help thinking, when opening this catalogue for the latest Van Gogh show at Moma, that the only reason for the museum to mount such a show is to be able to make some more money at its bookshop and at its ticket counter.

Granted, the reproductions of Van Gogh's night paintings (e.g. The famous Starry Night, Gauguin's Chair, the Café at Arles,the Starry Night on the Rhone, etc) are gorgeous, but why choose such an artificial and arbitrary theme? Many a painter painted night scenes or landscapes, before and after Van Gogh, and the paintings depicted here are masterpieces not because of the fact that they are night scenes, but because of Van Gogh's genius. There is no real connection between them: what is there in common between the early "Potato Eaters" and the late "Starry Night"? The fact that they both depict night scenes does not justify a whole book on the theme. Next time, will it be "Van Gogh and the colors of day"?

The text, somewhat pompous and vacuous, does not really alter this initial impression. I would have loved to see the exhibition for the sake of the paintings (so many major paintings are seldom seen together, especially the two starry nights), but the book itself does not add anything of substance to the already extensive literature on Van Gogh. I'd rather read Van Gogh's much more illuminating own letters to his brother Theo...

I have to agree with the previous reviewers comments about the Van Gogh exhibit he was unfortunately unable to attend. I just came from the MOMA today, and it was indeed remarkable to have so many of the artist's works in a single show.

That said, I would also concur that the central theme of the show is a bit contrived. It seems to be organized around a few comments Van Gogh made to his brother Theo (the exhibit includes multiple letters the artist wrote to his closest sibling) about effectively capturing the beauty of the night sky through artistic method. Beyond the two Starry Night works, the remaining pieces displayed are less on-point with regard to the general theme. However, so much Van Gogh in one place is truly rewarding. I can't complain about the exhibit.

I am admittedly not trained in art in any way, so I'm left with what I've learned through some undergraduate classes and auto-didactic energies. Having said that, the value of the book for those who have not attended the exhibit may be limited with a couple of exceptions: The MOMA exhibit very effectively displays Van Gogh's progression through the late 1880s from work that lacks distinctive quality to pieces like the Starry Night works that scream his name. Also, the book breaks down Van Gogh's work by having numerous curators, educators, and artists evaluate his life and productivity. The commentary is doubtless not groundbreaking, but I found it interesting for someone who is not steeped in artistic technique or history.

I bought this for my artist friend for Christmas and she loved it. Its a very good collection. I would buy this again.

We couldn't make it to the exhibition so we ordered the book. We love the variety of the paintings & the colors used. Good edition to our collection.

Since I was going to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, I checked its website for exhibits and found the "Colors" information. I ordered the exhibit book, which is a delight and gave me so much insight into the transition of Van Gogh's paintings. The study of the book enriched my visit to the Van Gogh, as the museum did not have all the background explanations of the book.

I recommend this book because it is a perfect balance of art & text: there are so many great high quality colour reproductions of Van Gogh's work, with the added bonus of hearing from researchers at the Van Gogh Museum & MOMA. There are also many examples of his sketches and handwriting (in personal letters), and close details of his brushwork - great if you missed the exhibit! I also like that there are quotes from Van Gogh throughout the book because they inspire me to return to the paintings with his words fresh in mind. I enjoyed finding out more about the importance of the nocturnal theme in Van Gogh's overall body of work. I admire his paintings a lot, and it's interesting how much he studied this theme and worked so hard to capture the mystery and delight of the night as he saw it. It seems he found a new appreciation for what the darkness brings. Every time I look at his work I am so impressed and inspired...it's a great book!