App for tablets: Touch Van Gogh - What paintings can reveal
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is doing something unique, they've created an app that lets users deconstruct some of the master's greatest works. The idea for the app started with a simple question, how can you share with museum goers Van Gogh's inspiration, his real life subject matter, or even how he went about creating these pieces? And, how do you do this in a way that stimulates the viewer, challenging them to study the work up close?
What I love about this app, is that it doesn't take away from the physical experience of the work itself. Many times, in an effort to engage audiences apps, videos and other content are created. Unfortunately, these engagement tools sometime compete with the work itself. And many times for younger viewers, they overpower the work. With the Van Gogh app, I feel convinced that they've figured out a simple way to revolve all the additional content around the physical piece itself. By highlighting the real location, technique or what might have been on the canvas before it's current incarnation, the app draws viewers to examine what's physically before them more closely, and with a critical eye. For younger and more diverse audiences, it helps explain process, an often complicated path for non artists to comprehend. And I would argue a potential source of inspiration for all those aspiring artists.
I really believe that apps which help us better understand the physical object we are seeing before us, truly help us build a better appreciation for art as a whole. I hope this is only the beginning!