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Renowned street artist Jorit has unveiled his latest mural in the quaint town of Buonabitacolo in southern Italy, bringing to life a powerful portrait of Vincent van Gogh, one of art history’s most iconic figures.
Human Tribe- Vincent Van Gogh – Image Copyright Jorit
At the heart of this mural is Van Gogh, a figure synonymous with passion, struggle, and brilliance against a backdrop of a starry night. Within Vincent Van Gogh’s eyes, we also see a reflection of the wheat fields that often inspired Van Gogh, drawing from the agricultural scenes of the countryside, embodying his deep connection to nature and the rural life he observed during his time in Provence.
Human Tribe- Vincent Van Gogh – Image Copyright Jorit
Jorit captures the essence of Van Gogh’s spirit while incorporating the distinct scars that frequently appear in Jorit’s work. These scars symbolise the “human tribe,” representing our collective experiences – struggles, resilience, and shared humanity.
The Letter
Accompanying Jorit’s mural is a quote from a letter Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo on May 14, 1882: “Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm is terrible, but they have never found these hazards sufficient reason to keep them ashore.”
Human Tribe- Vincent Van Gogh – Image Copyright Jorit
In this letter, Van Gogh expresses a deep connection with his new love, Christine, sharing their understanding of poverty’s complexities. He emphasises the value of their relationship over societal expectations, reflecting a longing for a fulfilling life that prioritises authenticity over material comforts. The metaphor of fishermen braving turbulent seas illustrates Van Gogh’s readiness to confront life’s challenges head-on. He chooses to embrace genuine experiences rather than succumb to fear and uncertainty. This excerpt beautifully encapsulates themes of love, resilience, and determination, highlighting how Van Gogh navigated his fears head on.
“She (Christine) knows what poverty is, so do I. Poverty has advantages and disadvantages, yet we shall risk it in spite of poverty. Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient to keep them ashore. They leave that philosophy to those who like it. Let the storm rise, the night descend – which is worse, danger or the fear of danger? Personally, I prefer reality, the danger itself.” Vincent Van Gogh 1882
This quote encapsulates the spirit of resilience and bravery that Jorit conveys of Van Gogh through his mural. It serves as a reminder that, despite the many dangers and uncertainties we face, pursuing our passions and dreams is worth the risks. Just as fishermen must navigate tumultuous waters, so too must we venture into the unknown in our own lives, embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.
Human Tribe- Vincent Van Gogh – Image Copyright Jorit
A Call for Reflection
Jorit’s mural transforms the landscape of Buonabitacolo into a dialogue about art, humanity, and the courage required to navigate life’s challenges. It encourages reflection and discussion, inviting us all to ask ourselves: Are we willing to brave our own storms in pursuit of our dreams?