Open Your Eyes
In a cabin in the woods on a mountain in the dark, open your eyes. This is Vincent’s black, velvet black. Here, there is no difference between eyes open and eyes shut. Open shut, open shut. Now, you will see yourself, mortal immortal. Can you, stand it?
Next, light a candle. The flame is blue white hot at the wick. Then it tapers to yellow and red, flickering golden hues. These are Vincent’s primary colors, red yellow and blue.
Then light a small fire in an oil lamp and the wood stove or hearth. Watch the shadows play on the stone and wooden walls. You may see others engaged in activities of the night. This is Vincent’s inspiration. The warmth of the scene enhanced by his compassionate nature and manifested through his creative genus with paint.
Walk out of the door and onto the path to a clearing and look up. Surrender to the awe of the moon and the stars in the vast night sky. These are Vincent’s silver whites.
In NYC, we are standing in front of “The Starry Night”. We are here with Vincent, who took the lonely, courageous journey before us. Now you are safe, open your eyes.
Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd Street
NYC, NY 10019
www.moma.org
Thru 1/5/09