Since it was announced that Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience was coming to Bristol in February, I've been (impatiently) waiting to go. I've seen pictures of the exhibition in other cities and couldn't wait for Bristol's turn.
The exhibit promised "exquisite storytelling" and "cutting-edge technology", alongside a "20,000 square foot light and sound spectacular will feature two-storey projections of the artist’s most famous works". Hosted at Bristol's newest space for creativity and culture, Propyard, it promised to be something spectacular.
I, like many others - I'm sure, have never been to an 'Immersive' exhibition and wasn't too sure what to expect but my expectations were certainly high given everything that was promised. Van Gogh is of course one of the biggest artists in Western art history and his life story is as captivating as his work, making the chance to be immersed into his world all the more exciting.
READ MORE: First Look at the 'Van Gogh Immersive Experience' exhibit that's taken over Bristol's Propyard
Before entering, you are already immersed into the world of Van Gogh. The Sunflowers that he is so famously known for engulf the entrance and welcome you in.
And then, you're met by the man himself. A huge projection of the artists face introduces you to the exhibit and it's lit in a way that completely transfixes you.
The room is filled with replicas of some of Van Gogh's best works and they're of course absolutely stunning. Neatly hidden in the corner of the room is a screen that plays a short documentary, talking through some of the best known and loved works from the artist. It's presented in a way that refuses to bore you and keeps you totally transfixed.
The next part of the exhibit is equally as, if not more, impressive. You see huge real life manifestations of the artists work alongside a depiction of his bedroom that you can quite literally go into.
You're then taken in a mirrored space that projects works of light around you and quite literally makes you feel as though you're in a dream. Pictures absolutely could not do it justice, we tried.
My favourite space of all was a huge projection on all four walls. The room was filled with starry deckchairs that allowed you to sit and watch the 30 minute run of interactive works that even took over the floor.
You got immersed into a village where virtual horses moved and transported you whilst projects of hay took over the floor. Water also took over the room, with oceans spilling from the frames on the walls onto the floor around you.
The next space gives children and adults alike space to explore their own creativity. With a drawing room created where you can make your own masterpieces and even project them like Van Gogh's works.
As if I wasn't impressed enough, the best part was saved until last with the opportunity to use VR to explore Van Gogh's world. The journey begins in Van Gogh's bedroom and takes you to the places that inspired the masterpieces we all know and love.
It depicts the artist himself narrating you through the journey, whilst you learn of his inspirations and thoughts. The VR is absolutely incredible and really makes you feel as though you've stepped into the paintings.
I had high expectations for the immersive exhibition and it somehow managed to exceed every one of them. It's absolutely the perfect day out.
