The Starry Night, the Sunflowers and Almond Blossom, they are all masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh. Famous paintings that can normally be seen on walls in museums. On Saturday they came to life in Etten-Leur. By bodypainting Van Gogh’s artworks on bodies, passers-by could experience the works in a completely different way.
With a view of the Van Gogh Church, the place where Vincent decided to become an artist, body painting students from the Rijn IJssel in Arnhem created their living canvases. No exact copies of the works, but a personal interpretation. “On top I make the blossom branch and the skirt incorporates the Starry Night”, says Aniek. “I’m going to try to copy his style, it’s a lot of fun to do.”
While a lot of spectators on nearby terraces watch, six models are transformed into works of art. Living work of art Sid undergoes it with a big smile. “I have no idea what it will look like,” he laughs.
His patience is tested, because it takes about five hours to cover his body completely in paint.
“I do it in my own style, but try to honor him a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Naomi focuses on painting a self-portrait of Van Gogh on Sid’s back. “I do it in my own style, but I try to honor him a little bit,” she explains. While working out her design, she looked at many paintings to analyze his style. That she is copying a Van Gogh is clearly visible. “It’s a lot of stripes!”
One of the living works of art (text continues below the photo).
Pierre van Damme had been walking around with the idea for almost ten years: “I want people to be able to experience the paintings in person. I came into contact with teacher Jacqueline Baselier from Etten-Leur. With students of the course All-round Make-Up & Hair Artist and models from the dance academy, we can now perform it”, he says enthusiastically.
“It’s spectacular and it gets more beautiful with every brushstroke.”
