There is something really magical about being read to. As children, all of us were read stories and have felt our minds being transported into the world of our imagination. The Last Bookstore let us experience this again Friday night at one of its signature events, ‘Van Gogh: A Performance of the Artist's Life Through His Personal Letters.’ 

The letters showcased in this performance were written by famous Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, addressed to his brother, Theo. They brought to light the depth of the brothers’ relationship, highlighting the love and support they had for each other throughout their lives. Theo was not just an emotional support in Vincent's life; he played a crucial rule in creating the legend we know. It was Theo who gave money to Vincent to purchase paint and encouraged him to pursue his artistic endeavors.

Unlike history books and encyclopedias, which just state facts, these letters were inundated with Van Gogh’s emotions, personal struggles and experiences. As he wrote to his brother, Van Gogh let go of all boundaries and laid bare his heart and mind. Hearing Van Gogh's own words helped the audience resurrect the artistic legend as an ordinary, mortal, human.

A collection of more than 900 letters Van Gogh wrote through his lifetime is available here. 

The setting of the bookstore, which literally transforms literature into art through its decor, complemented the performance directed by Matteo Saradin. The letters were beautifully performed by Kristian Messere, a professional film & television actor. The experience of the letters was enhanced with classical music and visuals of the artist's works.

Actress Caroline Holmes narrated the letters with a lovely charm, providing the history and intervening events which threaded one letter with the next. This insight was important as it helped the audience look beyond the eloquence and poetic expressions of the letter. 

READ MORE: When Van Gogh Looks Into The Mirror, What Does He See?

Van Gogh's decision to become an artist came fairly late in life, at the age of 27. He had no previous formal training. Vincent had deep love and reverence for nature, which left a deep impression in his work.

Art was the door he finally discovered to understand his spiritual communion with the world. What was most humbling was Vincent’s humility, which radiated in the letters. The master painter hoped no more than that one day his paintings would be worth more than the paint he bought to create them. The only financial goal he has was to repay his debts. Several such incidents and anecdotes were included in the letters, which helped illustrate the painter's life story.

Van Gogh had an unfinished letter for his brother in his pocket when he shot himself to death. As that last letter was read, there were moist eyes and touched hearts everywhere. The event was truly moving.

Islam, one of the audience members, said, “I had previously heard of Van Gogh’s legacy and his manic depression, but was only today that I learnt of his humanity."

Susi Lopera, a USC student majoring in art, added to the conversation, saying, "It becomes difficult to humanize these historic figures and imagine their struggles. Vincent's letters have reminded me of the purpose of my art and given meaning to my own struggles as an artist."

Events like this, which was open to the public, are the key to connecting high art and regular people. Even though art is not completely understood by merely viewing, the best way to appreciate it is to let it sway our emotions. To be able to experience great passion, without any pretense, is more meaningful than being a connoisseur of art.

To quote John Keats, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty."

Contact Staff Reporter Vidhi Todi here.