說到後印象主義的先驅 Van Gogh,最可惜的就是才華滿溢的他生前貧困潦倒,去世後才有名利、獲得肯定。出生於1853年荷蘭的一個牧師家庭,他在工作多年的教堂被解僱後因緣際會接觸藝術,早期的畫作多以灰白色調為主,後來去到法國欣賞印象主義畫作,開始了動人心弦的豐富色彩運用。藍色、橙色這個對比色,可以說是他的最愛。

所愛得不到回報,又因為對藝術的執著與Paul Gauguin高更不和,割下耳朵一事相信你我皆知。而後來他搬到法國南部,去世前兩年作品達到巔峰,《星空》、《向日葵》、《有烏鴉的麥田》等就是那段時間創作。那時他深受精神病困擾,說下「痛苦將永存」的悲傷語句,感性超越理性的他,作品參合着無數細膩的感情。

作為藝壇最偉大的藝術家之一,其作品散落不同博物館,不少人就慕名前往紐約MoMA博物館看《星空》。現在疫情底下,不妨瀏覽阿姆斯特丹的梵高博物館(Van Gogh Museum)的線上虛擬畫廊,當中還集錄他的金句、信件等。以下精選其經典金句,一起細閱大師的內心世界,了解他如何看待夢想、靈感、藝術、態度。

Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Winter 1887/88
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Winter 1887/88

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

我想像我的繪畫,然後將我的夢想畫出來。I dream my painting and I paint my dream.

Vincent Van Gogh

Almond Blossom Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, February 1890
Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Almond Blossom Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, February 1890

Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

如果你真正熱愛自然,那麼你在任何地方都會發現美。If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

Vincent Van Gogh

我全心全意投入工作,在此過程中我失去了理智。I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process.

Vincent Van Gogh

VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853 - 1890) Caféterras bij nacht (Place du Forum), c. 16 September 1888
Kröller-Müller Museum

VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853 - 1890) Caféterras bij nacht (Place du Forum), c. 16 September 1888

Kröller-Müller Museum

我經常認為夜晚比白天更活潑,色彩更豐富。I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.

Vincent Van Gogh

Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear Vincent van Gogh, Arles, January 1889
Credits: The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London

Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear Vincent van Gogh, Arles, January 1889

Credits: The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London

平凡是一條已經鋪好的道路:走在上面很舒適,但那裏並沒有花。Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

Vincent Van Gogh

Starry NIght, Vincent van Gogh, Year 1889
Credits: Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Starry NIght, Vincent van Gogh, Year 1889

Credits: Museum of Modern Art, New York City

不知道世間有什麼是肯定不變的,我只知道星星讓我繼續做夢。I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.

Vincent Van Gogh

多留意無盡的星空,到最後,你會發現生活似乎都被施了魔法一般。Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.

Vincent Van Gogh

Sunflowers Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Arles, January 1889
Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Sunflowers Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Arles, January 1889

Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

長時間地觀察某事物,會讓你變得更成熟並賦予你更深的意義。It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning.

Vincent Van Gogh

Wheatfield with Crows Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Auvers-sur-Oise, July 1890
Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Wheatfield with Crows Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Auvers-sur-Oise, July 1890

Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)