NG200 Art Road Trip - Cam and Dursley Living Painting

July 26, 2024

Project Overview: NG200 Art Road Trip - Cam and Dursley Living Painting

I had the incredible privilege of being involved in the NG200 Art Road Trip, a cornerstone project celebrating the National Gallery's 200th anniversary. This year-long celebration, starting on May 10, 2024, marks two centuries of bringing people and paintings together. As part of this momentous event, the Art Road Trip visits 18 locations across the UK and collaborates with 24 local arts organisations, including five in Gloucestershire.

In Cam and Dursley, I took on the role of facilitator, guiding the community in creating a unique living painting inspired by Van Gogh's "Wheat Field with Cypresses." Our goal was to transform an entire room into an immersive art experience. Participants from the community painted large pieces of material and paper, meticulously matching Van Gogh's colours and brushstrokes. This collaborative effort resulted in a vibrant recreation of the iconic painting, with elements cut out and attached to the walls, turning the space into a living, breathing artwork.

To enhance the immersive experience, we introduced various creative elements. Participants tied fabric to hanging structures, emulating cypress trees, and painted cardboard tubes to resemble 3D wheat stalks. This multi-dimensional approach brought Van Gogh's masterpiece to life, allowing visitors to walk through and interact with the art.

As a special takeaway, visitors received a Van Gogh-inspired keyring. These were created by a group I teach, who painted images of Van Gogh and heat-pressed them onto key-rings, ensuring the images were permanently affixed. These key-rings served as a tangible memento of the community's artistic journey.

The living painting will be available for public viewing for a few weeks, offering an immersive experience for all who visit. This project not only celebrates the National Gallery's legacy but also highlights the power of community and creativity in bringing art to life.