37 responses to Vincent van Gogh's last, unsent letter and unfinished painting

When Vincent van Gogh fatally wounded himself on Sunday 27 July 1890, he was carrying in his pocket an unfinished and never-sent letter to his younger brother Theo. The last letter Vincent did send to Theo is based on this unfinished letter and is dated Wednesday 23 July 1890.  The tone in the unfinished letter is quite different from that in the letter that was sent. In the unfinished letter, Vincent was concerned about the lack of interest in the works of contemporary artists. Those dire times for the arts seem to have returned today.

The words from the exhibition title ‘in the distress keep calm’ are taken from a passage in the middle of the unfinished letter: ‘[...] that you [Theo], through me, participate in the production of some canvases that keep calm even in the distress.’ The letter ends with the phrases: ‘Well, my work, for that I risk my life, and it has cost me half my mind, [...]. But what do you want ...' This is where the letter ends.

The exhibition presents work by 37 artists, who created visual or literary responses to Vincent van Gogh's unfinished letter and his state of mind especially for this occasion. In addition, they have responded to his last painting, Tree Roots. The letters, which offer insight into Van Gogh's emotions and thoughts, can be read online via The Friends of Job's blog (devriendenvanjob.blogspot.nl/p/37-letters).

For a comprehensive review of the exhibition, please visit Saskia Monshouwer's blog:  https://www.monshouwereditions.nl/in-de-ontreddering-de-kalmte-bewaren-liefdevolle-en-intense-ode-aan-van-gogh/