When it comes to love in its own, the human being is no longer removed from art, itself. Art is love; and loving art is the love of. . .self.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
On a starry night, Van Gogh comes to life. Filled with the aura, that only an eccentric Spirit can provide. Those ”strange,” odd types. Society loves to marginalize them. Viewing them as “crazy,” or unkempt in the eyes of the “civilized” world. Yet, it is really the “normal,” who are rendered in insanity. Maybe that was the point of AUC’s PAL (Peer Advising Leaders) event (February 19, 2018), in the showing of the film, “Loving Vincent.” A masterfully and artistically created film!
“Loving Vincent,” a heavenly painting of creative expression for the visual arts, in it’s capturing of stories for the human experience. It is also a myriad of expressions, in humanity’s audacity to create.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
A journey through the life of Van Gogh. The man behind the name; his mystery and legacy. Sensitivity and intimacy arrive when experiencing the pain, struggles, and frustrations, of being misunderstood. Living in a space or community, who does not see, what you see. A message of moving into the world of creative imagination, for one’s survival-in an unjust, uncaring world.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Mr. Vincent! My Dear Van Gogh! Do you know that we love you?
If only he knew how celebrated he would be. For legacy to outlive personal longetivity. Maybe that was just too much to bare. Mr. Van Gogh, know that you are loved!
Sitting in Moataz Al Alfi Hall, the space transformed into heaven’s comfort. A myriad of colorful bean bags; reflections of a rainbow’s assortment. A table of snacks, water, and an elixir, called Nescafe.
Ready. Set. You’re on. . .Van Gogh!
(Photo By Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
A film, where humans of different cultures, participated in crafting their understanding; and visual of one of the most complicated Spirits, ever presented to the world. We can view this as one of the numerous ways, into how other artists view . . .one man. Then, we can see it as a reflection of myriad Souls; highlighted in their individual, unique aesthetics-because of Mr. Van Gogh!
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
With students, faculty, guest visitors, and other staff (in attendance), a moving visual of Universal recording, was taking place. Intrinsic, isn’t? The idea of imagining that the entire film was a reflection of heaven’s eye of. . .one man. Presenting to the world his troubles; the reality that even legends. . .need love.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Laying in the comfort of a perfectly cushy bean bag, I saw different reflections of love; for those who had come to attend the event. A romantic, Egyptian-Arab couple enjoyed the affections of each other. A pleasant sight, as it is a testimony of love being alive at AUC’s New Cairo campus. Young men and women, who came to give self-love, by taking a relaxing break. Love, peace, freedom, and harmony definitely sang sonnets in the garden-that night. Who could not feel this expression? Unless, the hardened Spirits of selfishness prevailed.
As the pictorial narrative of Vincent Van Gogh, unveiled, one could only see reflections of self. In what way has truth become a label for the insane? Truth is real! It’s energy is creative, and gives life to meaning. And, it truly is, the breath of life. Has the world become so drenched in falsehood, that lies are a reflection of sanity? And those, who dare to explain life for what it is, are ostracized, demonized, and dismissed from the world of humanity?
Throughout the film, the audience witnesses Van Gogh’s grappling with the audacity of truth. A particular moment happens, when he even forces his physician to confront his own, battle for truth. His decision to choose medicine; rather than pursue his passion for the visual arts. And lastly, the final battle. The truth of Vincent’s transition back into the heavens.
What really happened, Mr. Van Gogh?
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
That is the burning question, behind all of such. The protagonist’s journey in discovering the mystery, of who, or what REALLY killed Vincent Van Gogh. A peaking point for the audience, and their yearning to, really know.
Yet, hints of reaching the finality of truth, doesn’t often come in the way one hopes and desires. One of the grappling dilemmas of the protagonist’s in the film. The yearning to really know. Yet, he comes to understand that it is not a journey to be walked alone. For in each step, the people who experienced the sensory of Van Gogh (his touch, taste, and vision) re-emerge. Giving their personal testimonies into their interpretative coloring of the man. . .many knew nothing of.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Each painting, pictorial creation of a different scene, was a new aura. An intriguing method of inciting audience members to attune themselves into this different texture of Van Gogh. One could even view the myriad designs, features, and artistic productions as try-outs. . .auditions. Numerous artists introduced their work, as possible designs for the Spirit of Van Gogh. Capturing his story; mirroring snapshots of his footprints on Earth. Arguably, a contrast to those literary beats of “crazy, strange, psychotic,” and others.
It is always the lifeless, who label believers, and Universal seekers, as “crazy.”
The chemistry of the different visual artists, and how their interpretations of Van Gogh’s life attempt to highlight the myriad paths of his Spirit. Much of it coming through the interpretations of participating artists. Thus, the artist is forced to partake in this unfolding journey of understanding.
(Photo By AUC Student, Waleed Omar; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Through this awakening, the audience grapples with the possibility of “unknowing.” Its one of those moments of surrender. In the protagonist’s quest to know, “the Truth,” the audience becomes immersed in a somewhat frustrating battle to understand the real tragedy of the artist, that few knew. Watching the film in Moataz Al Alfi Hall, left a stillness in the mind, for the writer of this article.
(Photograph By AUC Student & PAL Member, Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
(Photograph By AUC Student & PAL Member, Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Was the real tragedy of the film, death, itself? Or could it have been that a man (whom millions would know and love), was misunderstood?
So unloved, never receiving the opportunity to live; to experience the appreciation of his artistry, and search of truth! A shame and embarassment for the legacy of humanity.
And so, as we close on our love for Vincent, the truth of his death in the film, is never really clear. What it does initiate is our own, inner search for truth. After all, love is an embodiment of truth. And so, for the love of Van Gogh, may we forever continue on this path. This space of blessings; the aura of freedom, as we continue to imagine. . .a loving Van Gogh!
(Photograph By AUC Student & PAL Member, Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
(Photograph By AUC Student & PAL Member, Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
(Photograph By AUC Student & PAL Member, Salma Khaled; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)