ART EXPERIENCE

Born in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh spent his life tenaciously creating art with vibrant emotional honesty. Almost 150 years later, his work sits among the most valuable pieces ever sold, and he is regarded as one of the most important artists of all time, with an unquestionable impact on every painter who followed.

He's been the subject of Oscar-nominated films, in-depth biographies and endless essays, but now you can get closer than ever to the passion which informed his iconic paintings. To see the finest examples of his work you’d usually need to visit New York’s Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Kröller-Müller in Munich or Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. But now a dynamic and enticing exhibition, which truly brings to life the vibrant career and work of this visionary, is heading to Brighton & Hove.

Presented to Brighton Dome's refurbished Grade I and II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, the world’s most popular immersive, multi-sensory experience will be the inaugural event in the restored venues. Running from Fri 12 May, Van Gogh Alive, has already welcomed over 8.5 million visitors in 80 cities around the world, with an interactive event which uses high-definition projections and various immersive installations to showcase the life and work of this Dutch master.

Unbelievably, in his early years, this self-taught artist was considered as technically average. This was overcome by a ferocious work ethic. His ambition and conviction compelled him to become better with every piece. He worked tirelessly, constantly innovating, experimenting and reinventing his technique and approaches. Where he excelled was in his understanding of colour and light, which is evident through nearly all of his output. While his peers were playing with large areas of flat colour in their paintings, Van Gogh embraced distinctive brush movements – which would later influence Expressionism and early abstraction.

In a career filled with complexity and contradictions, he was singularly enigmatic, while providing some of art’s most accessible works. His paintings of religious figures, self-portraits and landscapes are now among the most recognisable pieces of art in the world. Although broadly underestimated during his life, Van Gogh’s creations have since gone beyond being mere images and evolved into something of a global phenomenon.

After sell-out runs in UK cities including Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Birmingham, Van Gogh Alive promises to be one of the highlights of the south coast’s cultural calendar for 2023. It’s been created by Grande Experiences, a world leader in the design, production, promotion and installation of large-scale events. They’ve produced a range of immersive experiences with broad cultural appeal, all offering engaging, entertaining and educational content.

“Van Gogh Alive has captivated audiences around the world, from Sydney to Rome,” says Bruce Peterson, Founder & CEO of Grande Experiences. “Our tour in the UK has been a huge success. Brighton’s strong artistic roots and its immense creative talent make it the perfect location for its next instalment. Watch this space for news of the venue and opening dates. We’ll see you soon Brighton!”

From concept to completion, Grande Experiences create visually and technically stunning masterpieces and presents them around the world. Its exhibitions have been displayed 220 times in over 170 cities, in 32 languages, across 6 continents enthralling audiences of over 20 million people. Based in Melbourne, with satellite offices in the UK, Italy and the USA, Grande Experiences also operates Museo Leonardo da Vinci, a prestigious permanent museum in central Rome, Italy and THE LUME Melbourne, a permanent, immersive gallery in Australia, along with THE LUME Colorado and THE LUME Indianapolis in the USA.

Van Gogh Alive is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense. It combines high-definition projections of Van Gogh’s paintings with digital surround sound and aromas of Provence. Imagery and animations are projected at a scale which offers visitors the ability to see the details of the artist’s work like never before. More than 3,000 images transform each surface.

“We’re delighted that Brighton & Hove has been chosen to host the Van Gogh Alive experience which promises to give visitors a state-ofthe-art immersive experience,” says Howard Barden, Head of Tourism & Venues for Brighton & Hove City Council. “We’re a home to worldbeating digital technology, so it’s fitting that this ground-breaking marriage of technology and art is showcased in the city, providing yet another reason why you should visit Brighton.”

Van Gogh used a variety of materials in his paintings, including oils, watercolours, gouache, and even printmaking – his later love for Japanese block printing inspired him to boldly outline thickly coloured objects. These vivid paintings resonate with emotion. Van Gogh poured everything he felt into his craft. From The Potato Eaters to The Starry Night and the Sunflowers series, his work is instantly recognisable for its vivid aesthetics and uncompromising brushwork.

Opening for a limited period of three months, audiences in Brighton will be the first to experience a brand-new Starry Night installation, as the exhibition continues to expand its scope. There will also be a dedicated artist studio, which invites people to replicate Van Gogh’s distinctive artistic style.

It allows visitors to experience the life and works of the seminal Dutch artist like never before. Life-sized installations including Van Gogh’s Bedroom of Arles painting and an immersive mirrored sunflower room make this a truly unique, engaging experience. State-of-the-art SENSORY4™ technology will project a kaleidoscope of 3,000 images to bring some of the artist’s most celebrated pieces to life.

Developed by Grande Experiences, the unique SENSORY4™ system combines multi-channel motion graphics, cinema quality surround sound and up to forty high-definition projectors to provide one of the most exciting multi-screen environments in the world. The result is dynamic, informative and visually spectacular. Incredibly detailed images flow through the mass of projectors and merge with digital surround sound to saturate the space in a breath-taking immersive display.

Were the Dutch master alive to see this exhibition today, he might be bashful about all the attention his work now receives, but secretly pleased his genius and passion have been recognised by a world which never really knew him. This exhibition should offer something for everyone, from the most ardent of Van Gogh obsessives to those who simply like looking at beautiful colours.

Registered users will also be the first to learn of the secret venue announcement. Adult tickets start from £22, with concession tickets from £17 and free entry for under-fives and essential companions.

Van Gogh Alive comes to The Brighton Dome on 12 May to 6 August 2023. Find out more at: www.vangoghaliveuk.com

True Romance Tattoos

I have been in the tattoo industry for 13 years, starting as a receptionist at Brighton’s own Angelic Hell when i was 18. At 22 I got an apprenticeship with James Robinson where I learnt the practical side of tattooing and began developing my illustrative style. I have now been tattooing for 9 years and decided I wanted to create my own space.

In 2022 I opened True Romance Tattoo, names after my favourite film. I am now working on creating a beautiful space where clients can feel comfortable and relaxed and artists feel valued. I would like to try and bring people back into the studios to socialise, look through portfolios and get to know the artists. As well as hopefully putting on events at the space that will support local charities.

Whether you’re completely new to co-working, have dipped your toe in with a few taster days, or are a seasoned pro, joining a new space, or switching up your current one could be the spark you need to ignite your working life in 2023.

Offering member perks, networking opportunities, and the chance to make new connections and friendships, coworking provides the opportunity to give your work experience the ultimate upgrade.

Ever since the pandemic hit, working life has been turned on its head with individuals and companies being forced to downsize and adapt to remote working. Smaller companies and start-ups are now looking for more cost-effective office spaces, larger companies want to offer their workers remote working environments other than WFH, and freelancers and independent business owners are looking to break out from their home-bound bubble.

The trend toward coworking provides the ultimate solution and spaces like Projects are the perfect place for your new 2023 working environment.

With two offices located in central Brighton, Projects has office spaces and flexible membership options for everyone whether you’re a soloflying freelancer looking towards coworking, or are part of a team looking for a dedicated desk or office space. Matt Miller, Location Manager at newly opened Projects The Lanes says "Our coworking space in Brighton offers the ultimate flexibility for professionals who value the freedom to work on their own terms. Whether you need a dedicated workspace or just a place to drop in, we have a variety of options to suit your needs. Our flexible membership options allow you to pick and choose the services that work best for you, without being locked into long-term commitments. With our state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, you have the freedom to work the way you want, when you want."

A Projects membership comes with a whole world of perks including local discounts, free paddle board rental, weekly Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yang and hot yoga classes, weight training and HIIT sessions and use of state-of-the-art meeting rooms, giving you much more than just a space to work in. Projects also have their own gym, limited car parking spaces, and both sites also have their own cafes and sun terraces to make the most of.

Holding community at its core, members also get the opportunity to connect and collaborate within a group of creatives outside of their usual networking bubbles. Kyle Garland, Location Manager at Projects Beach says "Joining our coworking space in Brighton is more than just renting a desk, it's about being part of a community that empowers

By Alana Harris

and connects professionals to reach their goals. Our space fosters collaboration, creativity, and productivity. As a member, you'll have access to a network of like-minded professionals, opportunities to learn and grow through events and workshops, and the chance to connect and make meaningful connections while enjoying all that Brighton has to offer."

Go along to weekly after-work drinks, get chatting over a free drink on coffee mornings or learn new skills alongside coworkers during dropin clinics. Dave Marcuson, General Manager says "From networking events to workshops and seminars, our members have access to a calendar of professional development opportunities. Our events are designed to connect members, foster learning, and drive innovation. Whether you're looking to expand your network, learn new skills, or simply enjoy social activities, our program of events has something for everyone."

If you’re a freelancer looking to make a change from WFH, are part of a company looking for remote working solutions, or have a team in need of a private office space, Projects could be the answer.

If you’re interested in finding out more, or you want to check out what Projects has to offer in person, you can book a free trial day, arrange to drop in and view their serviced offices, or enquire about a partnership or event collaboration by giving them a call on 01273 284124 or by using the contact form on their website at www.projectsclub.co.uk