Sculpture for a Modern World 28.11.2015 — 17.04.2016
Barbara Hepworth Forms in Echelon, 1938, Tate London
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ART
"Van Gogh is an international superstar" We are able to make only 3 per day. During the process the paint is deposited point by point in different layers on a printed substrate to not only match the specific colours of the original, but also to copy Van Gogh's thick use of paint and loose style as closely as possible. Of each work no more than 260 high-quality reproductions are made.
Eaters’ in his dorm room at Oxford University years ago. By investing in new digital channels, I want to create a community around Van Gogh, based on those experiences.
How does a German become the director of one of the most important Dutch cultural institutions?
In appearance that might be right. But don’t forget the artist lived not only in the Netherlands, but also in London, Paris and Southern France. He was attracted by work opportunities and inspired by new environments. Van Gogh spoke not only Dutch but also English and French.
I owe my position to luck and taking opportunities at the right moment. I grew up in the Ruhr area, in Dortmund to be exact. I studied art history at universities in Berlin and Cambridge, followed by internships at museums in Atlanta, Detroit and Washington. I quickly opted for the museum world. I wanted to handle a major collection and to be in contact with the broad public as well. My first full-time position was at the National Gallery in London as curator of Dutch seventeenth-century art.
Does a highly educated curator make for a strong museum director?
Having worked from a young age, I built up a strong network in the art world. After that I followed a specially designed course, to learn about managing a museum. In 2006 I applied for this job. I am not only responsible for the collection, but also for the organization and income. And I am the face of the Van Gogh Museum to the outside world. I welcome everybody, from the suppliers of our shop to members of the royal family.
What is your relationship with Van Gogh?
I am fascinated by the influence that Van Gogh has worldwide. And I truly appreciate his work as a researcher. I am not an expert though. That’s not necessary to become the director of the museum. I focus more on the position of Van Gogh in the art world – building connections in time. Interestingly enough, everyone has a personal story about his or her relationship with the painter. For example, US President Bill Clinton told me that he had a painting of ‘the Potato
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For many tourists, Van Gogh is the prototypical Dutchman, with his reddish hair and beard.
During his life the artist was not an international superstar yet, but he surely was international.
In terms of belief, I see Van Gogh as an early European.
A European like yourself?
In a way, yes. I’ve lived and worked in London and Germany. And so I can compare different people. For example, the Dutch are much more direct than the British. On the other hand, the Netherlands is a country of hidden networks, of clubs and circles. The country has a small ruling class, a group of people who are in charge of everything. It is not always easy to penetrate that class. My advantage is that I arrive as the head of the Van Gogh Museum. I need little introduction.
Easy Virtue
What attracted artists to prostitution as a subject? Come and see the exhibition ‘Easy Virtue’ and discover prostitution through the eyes of Vincent van Gogh and many other well-known 19thcentury artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso. Until June 19 - Museumplein 10 - vangoghmuseum.nl
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