An Overnight with van Gogh

By JULIA KERSHAW

For the first time, a trio of depictions of Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom come together at the Art Institute of Chicago as part of exhibition examining the artist’s exploration of home. A record number of visitors has already been coming to see the works and to experience the making of and meaning behind van Gogh’s famous portrayals through illustrated letters, a digital bedroom reconstruction, and some of the artist’s personal possessions and books. The exhibition shows 36 works tracing the development of van Gogh’s ever-changing notions of home, from his iconic Yellow House in Arles, France to an asylum in Saint-Remy to his final residence in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Van Gogh’s Bedrooms will expose distinctive details between the paintings, but together the works reflect van Gogh’s changing, emotional notion of home, from refuge to a creative outlet. Visitors will contemplate how they might depict their own home.

Van Gogh’s Bedrooms, Feb 14-May 8, Art Institute of Chicago   •  artic.edu

Top image: Vincent van Gogh. The Bedroom. 1889. The Art Institute of Chicago, Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection.