Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, Tower Hamlets, review: ‘One of art’s most enigmatic icons brought to life’

One of many artists to be brought to life in a series of three-dimensional, animated experiences across the globe, Van Gogh has been immortalised and made accessible to all in an intimate experience on Commercial Street.

The exhibition boasts a multitude of unique features, from a 20,000 square-foot light and sound show featuring two-story projections of Van Gogh’s works, to a virtual reality interactive experience, as well as a series of prints and background information about the artist’s tumultuous life.

The journey begins with a short film about the artist’s life, set to panning shots of one of his most celebrated pieces, Starry Night. The piece explains that the artist’s limited colour palette was a result of his colour-blindness, and demonstrates how the painter would likely have seen the world.

Following this, we stroll through a traditional gallery space, with prints of his most famous and important works accompanied by information about his tragic life and untimely death.

The experience really begins to feel immersive when we turn a corner to discover Van Gogh’s iconic Bedroom at Arles recreated in 3D. The room is set off at odd angles, accurately recreating the slightly wonky feeling of the painting.

But by far the highlight was the projection room, featuring animated videos of the artist’s most emblematic works. A 360-degree animation is set to classical music, and the room is kitted out with deck chairs and benches. It was a perfect way to take in Van Gogh’s pieces, both for fans of the artist and those with less knowledge of his work.

For more information, visit vangoghexpo.com/london. Standard adult tickets cost £19.90, and standard child tickets £11.50.