Today, Vincent Van Gogh is one of history’s best known artists; however, this was not always the case. Vincent Van Gogh was born in 1853 and would eventually take his own life in 1890. While he was alive his paintings were never truly appreciated, but, fortunately, his brother Theo’s widow would set out to make sure the world knew about Vincent’s beautiful paintings.
Van Gogh suffered from depression and had suicidal thoughts for most of his adult life, so much so that he was even institutionalized from 1889-1890 for a year. What makes his paintings so beautiful is that no matter how bad he was suffering mentally, he continued to paint bright and colorful paintings. He even painted some pieces while hospitalized. Something equally — if not more — impressive is that he also created his own style of painting. I can recognize his artwork from his brushstrokes alone.
There is an episode of “Doctor Who” (season five, episode 10) that revolves around Van Gogh. Towards the end of this episode, they bring Van Gogh to the present and show him a museum’s exhibit dedicated to his work. While Van Gogh is in earshot The Doctor asks the museum curator where he thinks Van Gogh fits into the history of art. The curator’s response perfectly sums up why I think Vincent Van Gogh is the best artist. In part of his answer he says, “[Van Gogh] transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty. Pain is easy to portray, but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world, no one had ever done it before.”
Perhaps the saddest part of Van Gogh’s story is that, had he been alive today, he wouldn’t have been treated like “the village lunatic.” In fact, I think he would have lived a full life and created even more enchanting pieces of art if he had access to the mental health resources we have today.
Throughout his life, Vincent Van Gogh wrote letters to his brother, Theo, and in these letters there were so many things Vincent said that provide the slightest glimpse into his life. I feel honored to know even a tenth of what was going through his head. There are so many meaningful quotes of his that are not only thought-provoking, but make me feel connected to him on a personal level.
Because of how important and inspirational Van Gogh is to me, I got my first tattoo in honor of him. The tattoo says, “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” and is surrounded by the stars, moon and wind from “Starry Night.”
Everything about Van Gogh inspires me. No matter how I am feeling or what’s going on in my life, looking at Van Gogh’s artwork always helps me feel grounded and at peace. He makes me think about how there truly is beauty in everything — even in pain.