Chantal Fouad
DUBAI: The first digital art space in the UAE, the Theatre of Digital Arts (TODA) is displaying Japan through the eyes of the late Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh.
“In this show, we decided to highlight the connection between Van Gogh and Japanese art. A lot of people who love Van Gogh’s art have no idea that when Van Gogh moved to the south of France, he was trying to find his own style and Vang Gogh is known for his absolutely fantastic style which is very recognizable and different from other impressionists of his time. His style was shaped under a huge influence of Japanese art works and Japanese prints known as Ukiyo-e.” said Daria Prodaevich, CEO of TODA Dubai, exclusively to Arab News Japan
Ukiyo-e is a Japanese style of art that involves woodblock print and painting depicting famous theatrical actors, city life, and travel in beautiful landscapes.
After Japan had formally resumed its direct trading with the west in the 1800s, Japanese popularity and influence of art design quickly dispersed to the west; an era later called Japonisme by the French.
The exhibition at TODA doesn’t end at the digital show, TODA offers educational experiences and classes to give the ultimate Japan experience.
Japanese flower arrangement masterclasses and tea tasting ceremonies are offered to develop an unforgettable experience that transport people to a different time and place.
The Secret Room offers a Narnia-like experience in which a fully immersive 360-degree art is portrayed providing a magical immersive deep dive into stunning art.
“There is a secret room with art works of contemporary Japanese artists that reflect on the classical traditional Japanese art, which is very meditative and interesting to look at.” Prodaevich added.
Compilations of writing from Van Gogh to his brother after he moved to the south of France clearly showed his appreciation to Japanese art; he claimed that his vision of the world had changed and that he had started to see the world in a Japanese way.
“We cannot say that he copied Japanese art, but he was influenced by certain features, such as spacial composition, vivid colors, details to nature, and decorative way of painting.” Said Prodevich.
The show at TODA is mainly composed of two parts; firstly, the showcasing of Van Gogh’s paintings using his voice to explain his influences and secondly, displaying the works of six most famous Ukiyo-e artists such as Hokusai.
The exhibition at TODA is displaying until the 30th of September and will continue to strive to give the ultimate Japan 360-degree mesmerizing experience.