“I am so angry with myself because I cannot do what I should like to do, and at such a moment one feels as if one were lying bound hand and foot at the bottom of a deep dark well, utterly helpless.”
Vincent van Gogh, The Letters of Vincent van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh, a complex and multifaceted individual, indeed grappled with the darkness of his own psycho-emotional landscape. However, amidst the darkness, he constantly strived to find beauty in the world. His art became a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey the depths of his emotions and connect with others on a profound level.
Passion and emotional intensity were at the core of his artistic endeavours. He poured his heart and soul into each brushstroke, infusing his artworks with a raw and authentic energy. Through his art, he aimed to capture the essence of emotion, to convey the turmoil and beauty that resided within him.
The urgency with which he approached his art was driven by a deep desire to express himself and share his experiences with the world. This passion sometimes led to moments of great stress, as he pushed the boundaries of what was possible in his medium. He believed that art should be a reflection of the artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and he was willing to explore new techniques and styles to achieve this.
HIs bold and dramatic brushstrokes were a deliberate choice, allowing him to convey not only the subject matter but also the intensity of his own emotions. He believed that art should move and inspire, and he sought to create a sense of movement and vitality within his paintings.
While his mental health struggles were an integral part of his life, they also fueled his artistic journey. They provided him with a unique perspective and a depth of emotion that resonated with audiences. HIs art became a means of connecting with others, of sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings in a way that words alone could not.
Art as a Catharsis
For the “tormented artist” his painting was not a mere act of creation for him; it was a cathartic process, a means of externalising his inner struggles. Each stroke of the brush was a release, a transformative journey from anguish to understanding.
In his final paintings, created during periods of intense struggle with his mental demons, Van Gogh’s brushwork, language of colour, and distorted perspectives took on a heightened intensity and rawness. Through his art, he sought to find meaning in his suffering, to transcend the limitations of one’s own existence. The canvas became a mirror of the artist’s emotions, a space where he could express and confront his innermost thoughts and feelings. Painting allowed him to channel his pain, transforming it into something tangible and meaningful. It became a form of self-expression, a way to communicate his inner world to others. His art became a vessel of catharsis, inviting viewers to embark on their own transformative journeys, to explore their own depths, and to discover the healing power of artistic expression. His final paintings give a glimpse into the turmoil as follows:
In “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear,” the subject matter is deeply personal and introspective. As the title suggests, it is a self-portrait that captures the aftermath of the infamous ear incident. The painting reflects his own struggles with mental health and the profound impact it had on his self-perception. The self-portrait becomes a window into his inner world, allowing viewers to witness the emotional turmoil he experienced. The brushwork in this self-portrait is bold and expressive, conveying the intensity of his heightened emotions. The language of colour is muted and sombre, reflecting the depths of his inner struggles. The distorted perspective is not as prominent in this particular painting, as the focus is primarily on capturing the emotional state rather than distorting the physical representation.
In “The Sower,” the subject matter shifts to a more universal theme of resilience and hope. The painting depicts a figure sowing seeds in a field, symbolising the act of planting and nurturing new life. Despite his personal struggles, he sought to convey a sense of determination and optimism through this subject matter. The brushwork is energetic and dynamic, reflecting the movement and vitality of the figure. The language of colour is warm and vibrant, representing the cycle of life and growth. The distorted perspectives are not as pronounced in this painting, as the focus is more on capturing the essence of the subject matter rather than distorting the physical forms.
In “Cypresses,” the subject matter shifts to the natural world, specifically the towering cypress trees. The painting captures the essence of nature and its ability to evoke emotions and reflect the human experience. The cypress trees, with their elongated and twisted forms, become a metaphor for the turbulence of his own mind. The signature brushwork is expressive and dynamic, capturing the energy and movement of the trees. The language of colour is rich and atmospheric, evoking a sense of mystery and emotional depth. The distorted perspectives in this painting are more pronounced, reflecting the inner turmoil and chaos that he experienced.
Through these final paintings, he explored a range of subject matters that reflected his personal struggles, resilience, and connection to the natural world. The brushwork, language of colour, and distorted perspectives served as powerful tools to convey the emotional intensity and complexity of these subjects, inviting viewers to engage with his artistic journey on a profound level.
The Healing Power of Art
We all carry a light within us, but sometimes life’s circumstances and health challenges can dim that light. Vincent van Gogh’s life was marked by a perfect storm of triggers that impacted his mental well-being. Early childhood trauma, relationship tragedies, poverty, adversity, and being misunderstood or criticised by his peers all contributed to his struggles. Additionally, the lack of proper diagnosis and medication for his health conditions further complicated his journey.
However, it was through his art that Vincent found solace and purpose. Without his artistic expression, it is likely that he would not have lived as long or experienced the passion and love that he did. Vincent understood the importance of embracing one’s eccentricities and not conforming to societal norms. He recognized that normality may be comfortable, but it does not foster growth or allow for the blossoming of creativity.
“Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
Vincent van Gogh, The Letters of Vincent van Gogh
Vincent’s own words remind us that our minds can take us to both heaven and hell. Despite the uncertainty that loomed over his future, he held onto his unwavering belief in the healing power of painting. Vincent’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges, but through it all, he remained connected to the beauty of the natural world. Life can be a turbulent journey, with moments of calm and moments of storm. Yet, like the fishermen who brave the dangers of the sea, we too can navigate the challenges that come our way.
As we reflect on the life of the troubled artist, let us remember the importance of seeking comfort in nature and holding onto the belief that art has the power to heal and uplift our souls. If you find yourself struggling, remember that there are helplines available 24/7, ready to provide support and lend a listening ear. You are not alone, and there is always hope.