At museums full of art, one man’s work always stands out: Vincent Van Gogh’s swirls of vibrant blues and yellows catch my eye.
As I stand looking at his brushstrokes, I would never guess that the iconic work of “Starry Night” was painted during his time in an insane asylum. The purple hills and illuminated city below the nighttime stars capture a scene in his mind, but for years I never gave his mind a second thought.
When I come across one of Van Gogh’s impressions, my initial response is not “What a poor soul!” but, instead, “What a brilliant man!” Unfortunately for many great minds, these two conditions seem to go hand-in-hand.
After giving this some thought, a stimulating series of questions formed in my mind. Are the instabilities of some artists the key to their greatness? Does intense dedication lead to isolation, thus generating depression or madness?
Rather than bring me to firm conclusions, this trail of theories opened my mind to wonder what went on in Van Gogh’s mind.
I view Van Gogh as the most intriguing example of “madness” combined with beauty. He is one of the best-known and most-loved artists of all time, and, when one looks at his work, the unique interpretations show why.
His beloved artwork is widely popular, and he accomplished the works despite horrible circumstances. Van Gogh’s violent episodes led him to make threats against others, cut off part of his ear and offer it to a prostitute, stay in asylums and, in 1890, commit suicide.
According to The Van Gogh Gallery, he has been given a number of diagnoses, including temporal lobe epilepsy, bipolar disorder, thujone poisoning and lead poisoning. All of these seem to explain why he painted in his signature style. Most ideas rely on the fact that he consumed a large amount of absinthe, and from there the symptoms lead to a range of conclusions.
Theories explaining his vivid yellow interpretations of objects and swirling styles are the most interesting. Under the diagnosis of lead poisoning, it is said that Van Gogh attempted to poison himself by swallowing lead-based paint or drinking kerosene during his attacks. As a result of lead poisoning, the retinas swell, which may “cause one to see light in circles like halos around objects,” according to The Van Gogh Gallery’s page on his mental health.
This seems like the obvious answer to paintings like “Starry Night.” The scientific facts make a strong argument that Van Gogh’s unique works were the result of whatever he suffered from. The number of ideas certainly gives reason to the distinct styles.
At this point, I come to a more philosophical side to the story. Clearly, this man was gifted with wonderful visions. I wonder if the problems caused the abilities, or if they hindered him.
Perhaps if he had not suffered, he would have possessed a clear mind and his art would have looked very different. At that rate, would his works be unique and noteworthy? If he had not been “mad,” would he have achieved greatness? If not, then was his curse actually a gift?
I could sit all day pondering theories of his illness and its effects on his paintings, but no matter which way my ideas twist and turn, I come down to one simple conclusion: Whether it was madness or his true self, Van Gogh achieved greatness with his gift.
When I look at all of these diagnoses and attribute his work to the effects, I begin to wonder if it even matters. Perhaps it is unfair for me to look at this mentally tortured man and analyze his state to find reason for his work. Whether he had issues or not, Van Gogh stands in time as a beautifully influential figure gifted with an astounding talent, worthy of respect.
This is not a conclusion restricted to Van Gogh, however; it can be applied to any of the other afflicted great minds. They are ones to look up to, as they transformed pain into beauty. If they can live up to remarkable potential, then can’t we?
Regardless of their situations, these figures made invaluable impacts on society and culture, and are held in esteem to this day. Because of them, we can stand admiring Van Gogh’s elegant spirals and brushstrokes and appreciate the works of other men and women who dedicate their lives to a passion.
For more columns, read the Dec. 16 article, TSA standards invade passengers’ privacy.
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