On a hot, smoky summer evening, we headed to downtown Calgary and disappeared into the remarkable world of Vincent Van Gogh. The BMO Centre has been transformed into a three-dimensional world that features more than 300 of Van Gogh’s iconic artwork, enhanced by Van Gogh’s own words, thoughts and dreams.
Walk past panels covered with words from Van Gogh himself and then into a large room — the centre of a painting that moves and swirls and is transformed before your eyes. We watched a town being sketched and then filled with colour and then walked with an unsuspecting couple through the park.
Multiple portraits stared down at us, some of them blinking slowly. We walked through an outdoor cafe and then blossoms blew around us and the sky filled with stars.
It’s an experience to remember for every age and artistic experience, but might be even better as a date night. However you visit, be sure to pause and simply experience the words, the music and the swirling colours. Beyond Van Gogh will be in Calgary from July 30 – August 29, 2021.
Photos: Charity Quick
