The exhibition "Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience – Resonating Souls, Helene and Vincent" (Vincent van Gogh, 1853-1890) will be held from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. To commemorate this exhibition, MEDICOM TOY will release a BE@RBRICK inspired by "Country Road in Provence by Night"! We spoke with Mr. Wakabayashi from the Business Department of TBS Television, Inc., about the highlights of the exhibition.

"Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience – Resonating Souls, Helene and Vincent"
Dates: Saturday, September 18, 2021 – Sunday, December 12, 2021
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Special Exhibition Gallery https://www.tobikan.jp
Closed: Mondays, Tuesday, September 21
*However, the museum will be open on Monday, September 20; Monday, November 8; Monday, November 22; and Monday, November 29.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: General ¥2,000 | University/Vocational School Students ¥1,300 | Seniors (65+) ¥1,200
Organized by: Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Shimbun, TBS
Special Sponsorship: CyberAgent
Sponsorship: NISSHA
Cooperation: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Yamato Transport
Support: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Special Website
https://gogh-2021.jp

— Could you tell us about the content and theme of "Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience – Resonating Souls, Helene and Vincent"?

This exhibition focuses on Helene Kröller-Müller, who was captivated by the art of Vincent van Gogh and became the world's largest private collector of his works. It traces the development of modern painting through her collection, with Van Gogh's works at its core. We will be exhibiting 72 pieces in total: 28 oil paintings and 20 drawings/prints that follow Van Gogh's journey from his early Dutch period through Paris, Arles, and his later years, along with 20 paintings by artists Helene was interested in, such as Millet, Renoir, Seurat, Redon, and Mondrian, and an additional 4 oil paintings by Van Gogh from the Van Gogh Museum.

— Who was Helene Kröller-Müller?

Together with her husband Anton, who made his fortune in the iron and shipping industries, she collected over 90 oil paintings and about 180 drawings/prints by Van Gogh over approximately 20 years, starting in 1908, before he became famous as a painter. Helene found a deep spirituality in Van Gogh's art, which he pursued with almost religious passion, and his art became her spiritual anchor. To share this inspiration with many people, she dedicated her life to establishing a museum and became the first director of the Kröller-Müller Museum.

"Interior of a Restaurant"
Vincent van Gogh
Summer 1887
Kröller-Müller Museum
© Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands

"The Sower"
Vincent van Gogh
Circa June 17-28, 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum
© Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands

"The Yellow House (Street)"
Vincent van Gogh
September 1888
Van Gogh Museum (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
© Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

— Regarding "Country Road in Provence by Night," which is drawing particular attention as it returns to Japan for the first time in 16 years, could you tell us more about it?

Cypresses were a subject Van Gogh began to tackle seriously in Saint-Rémy, with the ambition to create works like "Sunflowers." While captivated by the deep green tones of the cypresses, which stood out against the dazzling colors, he repeatedly expressed the difficulty of capturing them in letters to his brother Theo. This work, likely created at the end of his stay in the South of France, is a culmination of his Provençal period, powerfully depicting cypresses towering against the night sky.
Van Gogh painted many works featuring cypresses, and "Country Road in Provence by Night" is considered a masterpiece among them.

"Country Road in Provence by Night"
Vincent van Gogh
Circa May 12-15, 1890
Kröller-Müller Museum
© Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands

— Why do you think Van Gogh is so popular in Japan?

I believe Van Gogh's popularity in Japan stems from his dramatic and tragic life story. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he began his artistic career late at 27 and tragically ended his life at the young age of 37. However, in those brief 10 years, he produced an astonishing number of works, estimated at around 2,000, demonstrating his passionate dedication to his craft.
Furthermore, his bold brushwork, earning him the moniker "the painter of fire," leaves a strong, memorable impression and contributes to his popularity. The fact that he remained largely unknown and sold few works during his lifetime likely also makes people want to support him. The Japanese people have a deep admiration for indomitable spirits and those who strive relentlessly, and Van Gogh truly embodies these qualities.

— Could you share some points that would allow even those who have never visited a museum before to enjoy this exhibition?

This Van Gogh exhibition features "Country Road in Provence by Night," considered a masterpiece of his cypress works, and "The Yellow House (Street)" from Arles, where Van Gogh lived and worked with Gauguin, returning to Japan for the first time in 16 years. The exhibition also traces Van Gogh's artistic journey, from the dark atmosphere of his early Dutch period to the brighter works influenced by Neo-Impressionism in Paris, and the bold brushwork of his Arles period. In addition to 52 of Van Gogh's works, the exhibition includes pieces by artists popular in Japan such as Redon, Renoir, and Seurat, representing Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism.

— To commemorate this exhibition, a BE@RBRICK recreating "Country Road in Provence by Night" will be released. What are your impressions of the finished product?

I was concerned that translating a flat painting into a three-dimensional object might diminish the essence of Van Gogh's work, but I am amazed by the final result. Each piece is individually transferred, making each BE@RBRICK a unique original.

— MEDICOM TOY actively collaborates with artists, museums, and galleries worldwide. BE@RBRICK is also very popular internationally. What do you think is the reason for this?

Beyond the charming bear motif, I believe the vast array of designs resulting from diverse collaborations with brands, artists, and events worldwide is a key factor. Having numerous designs means reaching a wider audience. As I am involved in work related to exhibitions, I hope that BE@RBRICK will further broaden the appreciation of art and culture.

BE@RBRICK Van Gogh "Country Road in Provence by Night" 100% & 400%
Size: Approx. 70mm / 280mm each
Release Date: Scheduled for September 2021
Price: Price not yet determined
*The photo shows a sample under supervision. The final product may differ. 
© Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands
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