Geneva Art Students Enjoy Painting Workshop, Van Gogh Exhibition

After a long hiatus during which study trips were put on halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of students enrolled in ARHS 1050: Art Appreciation at Webster University in Geneva participated in an all-day study trip on  Feb. 11. The group visited the multimedia exhibition Van Gogh Alive at the Palais de Beaulieu in Lausanne, where they learned about Vincent van Gogh’s life and artistic evolution during the period from 1880 to 1890.

The exhibition prompted reflections on the close ties between the artist’s biography and his artistic style. The visit also prompted much discussion on the role of audio-visual technology in the creation of digital immersive exhibitions of art. It was a positive experience overall.

"I loved attending the Van Gogh experience," said student Emma Kramer. "The combination of audio and visuals helped me to appreciate the art in a way I hadn't before. It was a really immersive experience that I wouldn't be able to get in just a regular museum. The highlight for me was seeing the art become animated and move within the paintings. I would highly recommend anyone take a visit!" 

During the afternoon, the students attended a very animated workshop at Colore ta vie in Lausanne and collaborated on two canvases using acrylic paint and all kinds of non-traditional painting tools, such as tennis rackets, sponges, and ropes.

“I had so much fun," said Katie Hay. "I had never done anything like that before. I loved being able to throw myself into a creative process and it showed me that there is no wrong way of doing art. I feel like I got a lot of rage out.”

Gabriella Vernon noted how “therapeutic [it was] not to think about the final product, but to be very focused on the process of making.” The resulting artworks – measuring 100 x 200 centimeters – will be displayed in two designated locations on campus.

ARHS 1050 is offered as an elective course as part of the Global Citizenship Program at Webster University in Geneva.