Shropshire Star

New film about Van Gogh's connection to Japanese art to be screened in Birmingham

Exhibition on Screen concludes their sixth season of a series on history's most revered artists with Van Gogh and Japan.

Published

Van Gogh and Japan explores the story of Van Gogh's deep connection with Japanese art, even though he never travelled to Japan himself.

With in the 90 minute run time, Van Gogh and Japan will feature Van Gogh's personal letters and written accounts by friends and contemporaries to help reveal the story of Van Gogh's connection to Japanese art.

The film will also explore how Japanese society has taken a liking to his work, due to his engagement with the culture of Japan.

David Bickerstaff, Director of Van Gogh and Japan, said: "The brilliant thing about working on a film about Van Gogh is the richness of insight one can gain from his letters and just looking closely at his artworks.

"You think you know them-they are famous after all-but with every viewing they reveal something new.

"The intensity of his fragile mind as he struggles with his art is laid bare with every mark he makes.

"It is the pursuit of a powerful simplicity that attracted Vincent Van Gogh to the art of Japan and the Japanese to his story."

Van Gogh and Japan will be coming to the Empire Birmingham and Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham on June 4.