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vani_in_wonderland_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
~ Ah, Monsieur Vincent! ~
Vincent Van Gogh - an artist that spent his life in extreme poverty and suffering but now stands to be one of the most famous figures of Western Art. Once called a 'red headed fool' is now considered an artist that gave a new meaning to art.
When asked by his father, 'What if the end of the work remains poor? You've been drawing that fellow kneeling down for days and he's still wrong. Suppose you go on drawing him for years and years and he keeps on being wrong?'
Vincent shrugged and said, 'an artist takes his gamble, Father'
Indeed, that is what he did. He took his gamble. His passion for art was unmatched, worked on the canvas like a fever dream. The way he talks about colours and landscapes will make you question whether you have been blind all your life. Lust for Life is a fictional biography of Van Gogh based on the letter correspondence between him and his brother, Theo. The book encapsulates his entire life, how he lived, what he thought and how he felt. It is to see the world through the lens of an artist. That's the best I could describe the book.
What stood out for me was the relationship the two brothers shared. I wouldn't say that it moved me, as it did much more than that. I wish I read their actual letters someday.
Reading Lust For Life was an experience of its own kind. As I read about Vincent, it made me question a lot of things. Resurfaced some thoughts.
A lot of them were related to how you see any piece of art. Is it supposed to be seen objectively? Or the context is necessary?
Is it important to know what the artist had in mind to fully understand the creation? Or each of us draw our own meanings?
I have observed that tragedy attracts more eyes and ears. But had the tragedy been removed, will the Art hold the same value?
I like mulling over these thoughts over my evening cup of tea.
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm
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