Sunflowers in the Style of Vincent Van Gogh, 1888-9 | Tokyo Original

Internationally acclaimed former art forger John Myatt studies the incredible work of Vincent Van Gogh in this first chapter of The Masters Collection. From blooming flowers representing vitality, creativity and hope, to wilted heads suggesting fragility, aging and impermanence, Sunflowers is rich in layered meaning, functioning as a meditation on the cycle of life.

Painted in Arles, south of France between 1888-1889, the series is a masterclass in emotion, symbolism, and colour through still life and, how Van Gogh expressed in letters to his brother, the works represented light, vitality and friendship, describing them as “symbols of gratitude.”

Once lost forever to history, this version of Sunflowers, distinguished by its vivid blue background, was owned by Koyata Yamamoto, the painting was hung at his company’s headquarters in Tokyo. In May 1945, US air raids on Tokyo led to the destruction of the painting, which was later confirmed as one of the most prominent and significant artworks destroyed in World War II. By studying the few existing photographs of the artwork alongside notes Van Gogh left in letters to his brother Theo, Myatt was able to faithfully recreate this lost painting and share its bold colours with a new generation – completing the Sunflowers series once thought gone forever.

First encountering Van Gogh in Art History lectures during the 1960s, John Myatt was instantly drawn to the Dutch Post-Impressionist’s unusual colour palettes and loose expressionistic brushstrokes. Decades later, Myatt’s fascination with the artist was rekindled as he studied his letters and paintings to understand the emotion and influences that ultimately led to the creation of Van Gogh’s internationally recognised and celebrated Sunflowers series.

Working in Van Gogh’s innovative monochromatic palette of yellows, ochres and greens, Myatt’s research into the artist’s personal life helped him to understand how any uses of non-naturalistic colours, like blue and purple, expressed mood rather than replicated reality.

Find out more about this collection here or alternatively shop more Myatt's art here. 

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