Dawn over Riddarfjarden, Eugène Jansson, 1899
Collection of Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde
There’s something so calming about visiting the AGO Mystical Landscapes exhibition. I chose to go on a Wednesday, because the AGO is open late (and it’s free!) on Wednesdays. Although Mystical Landscapes doesn’t have free admission on Wednesdays, the exhibit was still packed.
Despite that, there was something awe inspiring in being in the same room with these peaceful, and sometimes unsettling, masterpieces. The crowd fades away as you take in each work of art.
The years between 1880 and 1930 were marked by rampant materialism and rapid urbanization. Disillusioned with traditional religious institutions, many European, Scandinavian and North American artists searched for an unmediated spiritual path through mystical experiences. Organized in partnership with the renowned Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Mystical Landscapes: Masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh and more breaks new art historical ground, exploring the mystical experiences of 37 artists from 14 countries, including Emily Carr, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, Georgia O’Keeffe and James McNeill Whistler.
The exhibit features 90 pieces of art from Europe, Scandinavia and North America. All of the artwork revolves around our relationship with nature in times of peace and strife.
Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night over the Rhone at Arles, 1888 Image courtesy the Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France/Bridgeman Images
The highlight of the exhibition for me is Vincent van Gogh‘s Starry Night over the Rhone at Arles. “A tremendous need of —shall I say the word—religion…so I go outside at night to paint the stars.” -van Gogh
It was amazing to get up close and personal with this beautiful painting. It drew quite a crowd! If you haven’t had the time to visit this exhibition yet, you’re in luck! This exhibition has been extended until February 12, 2017. Get your tickets here!
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