'The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience': Hyderabad set to host most immersive art exhibition on Mar 29

Hyderabad: Step into the vibrant world of Vincent Van Gogh as India debuts its most immersive art exhibition in Hyderabad on March 29.

Discover how meticulous planning, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for art converge to create an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of one of history's most celebrated artists.

Nikhil Chinapa, alongside Jay Punjabi and The Silly Fellows, spearhead the endeavor to bring the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience to life.

In an exclusive interview with NewsMeter (NM), Nikhil Chinapa (NC) shares insights into the inspiration behind the project, the groundbreaking technology driving the immersive experience, and the profound impact it aims to make on India's art scene. Excerpts:

NM: Who inspired you to bring the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience to India, and how does it differ from traditional art exhibitions?

NC: India deserved a truly world-class immersive Vincent van Gogh show and we as a team felt very strongly about building one that was on par, and even better than some of the shows people have seen globally. We’ve had distinguished guests in Chennai who’ve seen immersive Van Gogh exhibitions in Singapore, New York, and Paris and they’ve all said that The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience in India was much better than those productions.

NM: Could you tell us more about the technology behind the immersive experience, particularly the use of India’s first 22K lumen projection and largest screens?

NC: The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience is distinguished by its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and meticulous design. At the heart of this immersive experience are the powerful Marco Barco G100-W22 22,000 lumens projectors, making them the first of their kind to be employed in a Van Gogh exhibition.

The Silly Fellows believed that this was the only way to bring Van Gogh’s Vivid use of bright colors to their full brilliance. These projectors are almost 4 times more powerful than anything used in India previously.

To elevate the immersive experience, deliberate measures have been taken, including raising the projector height to an impressive 24 feet, surpassing the standard 12 feet. This meticulous attention to detail underscores our commitment to delivering an unparalleled and refined experience for all patrons.

Additionally, with the help of 20,000 high-resolution projectors, 33 million+ pixels, and 10,000+ square feet of projections, this impressive digital art exhibition blends state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, and excellent animation.

NM: How do you believe the specially created music score by Mitch de Klein enhances the overall experience of viewing van Gogh's paintings?

NC: We love Mitch’s approach to music and approached him to build out the musical journey for The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Cause when things work they just work.

NM: What has been the public's response to the debut show in Chennai, and how has it influenced your plans for expanding the experience to other cities in India?

NC: The responses have been phenomenal and deeply satisfying. For people to tell us that this immersive exhibition is better than the ones they’ve been to before is a validation of our efforts and tells us that we are on the right track. We are committed to delivering an unparalleled and refined experience for all patrons, and it has given us the confidence to take this to all corners of the country.

NM: Can you walk us through the hour-long journey through the exhibition and the four carefully curated spaces designed to showcase different facets of van Gogh's work? What are your favorite bits of the show?

NC: The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience features four carefully curated rooms that immerse you in the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.

The Education Room serves as an informative and insightful introduction, providing context and background to Van Gogh's life and artistic journey. It’s the first room in our journey through the tapestry of his work and life.

The Infinity Room, as the name suggests is an expansive space where visitors will find themselves in an immersive and awe-inspiring environment.

The Immersive Room transports attendees deeper into the world of Van Gogh. Dynamic projections and sensory elements enhance the connection between the audience and the artist's creations.

After the immersive journey, visitors have the opportunity to explore The Merchandise Store, where they can take home souvenirs and mementos related to the exhibition.

NM: What can visitors expect to find at The Merchandise Store, and how does it complement the immersive experience?

NC: Everything from diaries to t-shirts, mugs and water bottles, coasters, prints, and tote bags, they’re the perfect little memento for Van Gogh buffs.

NM: Could you share some details about the Art Themed Café? Are you partnering with any local café/bakery for the same?

NC: Unfortunately, we won’t be able to bring the art-themed café to Hyderabad, but that will not take away from the experience even one bit.

NM: How do you envision the Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience impacting the art scene in India and inspiring future generations of artists and art enthusiasts?

NC: Immersive art provides a more engaging and interactive experience compared to traditional forms. Visitors become active participants in the art, creating a more personal connection. I think it encourages people to take more interest in art and artists, and want to learn more and become more passionate learners.

NM: Are there any challenges you encountered while organizing and executing the exhibition, and how did you overcome them?

NC: The initial challenge involved the complete overhaul of the structure, deviating from conventional ready-to-use standards. Our process extended from crafting aluminum casts for the clamps to the comprehensive structural reengineering of production. We collaborated with technical and structural partners spanning over 40 cities across India, investing 20 days in the meticulous setup.

NM: Lastly, what message would you like attendees to take away from The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience?

NC: To come with an open mind and heart, and allow themselves to be lost in Van Gogh’s world. And then tell your friends and family to see The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience.