Walking with Vincent
- Aug 8, 2019
- 4 min read
Vincent in Paris
Starry, starry night....
I discovered Vincent van Gogh in two locations in France. Both were thrilling but in such different ways.
I had included a visit to Arles, Provence in my itinerary for May. It seemed it would be an easy day trip by train from my home base in Avignon to Arles and I was so excited about wandering along the Rhone river and seeing the location of many of Vincent's paintings. Particularly, of course, the iconic Starry Starry night over the Rhone. However I was intrigued when in Paris, I saw an advertisement for the Atelier Des Lumieres show of Van Gogh Starry Night.
An old, large warehouse in a suburb of Paris, near the Bastille, has been converted into an exhibition space and here, the Atelier des Lumieres show is an exciting presentation of Van Gogh's art that are part of a sound and light spectacular. Vincent's paintings are enlarged and screened onto the warehouse walls and floors, timed to music, creating a moving feast of image and sound. Standing in the centre, the paintings swirled around me and took my breath away.....
From the penetrating stare of Vincent's portrait the paintings move like a kaleidoscope, showcasing his many works. From his early works of peasant men and women through to the glory of sunflowers and on to his beautiful works completed in Arles - my favourites, the Cafe terrace at night, Yellow house and Starry Starry night over the Rhone. Finally a series of self portraits, The muted golden wheat field with crows providing an ominous mood at the end of the presentation, to finally returning to that wonderful self portrait - his face surrounded with blossoming almond trees to symbolise the timeless renewal of art.
I became caught up in the wonder of it all and loved it!
Walking out of the warehouse and back into the grey, overcast day and somewhat dreary suburban streets, I made my way back to the Metro station and to my hotel. A slight drizzle began to fall as I walked, but it didn't bother me, my head was still full of the images I had just seen. I couldn't wait to arrive in Arles and walk with Vincent.
Vincent in Arles
The train from Avignon to Arles only took about half an hour. I sat back in the comfortable seat and watched the Provencale countryside whizz past. The Gare d'Arles is situated a short walk outside the centre of the town and I enjoyed strolling through the park and along the banks of the Rhone river towards the town centre. It was a glorious, sunny day, I couldn't have been happier nor more excited to explore the ancient town of Arles.
The Romans made a big impression in Arles and the large, relatively intact Arena is a marvel. I could rave all day about the roman archaeology one can see in Arles, but I shall save that for another blog, another time. VanGogh painted the crowds around the arena, attending the bull fighting. Today, the arena is still used for such events and they are extremely popular. Not much has changed over the years......
Walking around the perimeter of the Roman Arena, I make my way down windy narrow roads alongside ancient buildings towards a beautiful town square.
Here is the iconic yellow cafe of Van Gogh's painting. Fortunately as a (now) much loved figure of Arles, the locals provide signage at each of the sites where Vincent painted. Vincent was not always so well loved by the locals of Arles. In his lifetime, the locals signed a petition to rid from the town - too much of a 'character' was Vincent!
Along the bank of the Rhone is another sign helping me to find the spot where Vincent must have set up his easel to paint.
"Starry, Starry night....paint your palette blue and grey....." amazing how poignant those lyrics are when one is actually standing where Vincent must have been, looking out along the span of the river.
Remembering Vincent
I volunteer at an Animal Welfare Shelter in my home town. Once a week I visit and help socialise nervous and timid cats. Sometimes they are little more than kittens, other times, senior cats. I talk softly to them and if they will allow it, I pat them and assure them that human interaction can be a good thing.
Last week, I met Vincent. He was a senior cat, pure white and with a reserved disposition. Due to skin cancer which so afflicts white cats, he had to have much of both ears amputated. I sat next to him on the cement floor of the pen and gently spoke to him. I patted his fur and felt it feel rough under my hand. Vincent seemed a little on the thin side to me, his shoulder bones prominent but not badly so. He let me stroke him for a while and then, wishing him luck in finding a forever home, I departed.
"Vincent seems a lovely cat" I told my family. " He needs someone to care for him and feed him up" I said.
"How's Vincent"? I asked this morning.
"That's a sad story" the head Cat Adoption guy replied.
"His skin cancer had spread through his nose and he suffered liver failure. He had to be put to sleep."
I came home and shed a tear for Vincent. He deserved a happy life and a family who loved him. I hope the affection I showed him in his last week helped.
Join with me in remembering Vincent.
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