Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night

Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night has chosen to focus on the artist's passion for depicting nocturnal light because, as Vincent wrote to his brother, Theo, in April 1885, "One of the most beautiful things by the painters of this century has been the painting of DARKNESS that is still COLOR." The exhibition illustrates that Vincent explored these "colors of the night" from the beginning of his artistic career to its premature end, in every location he occupied, and throughout a number of themes including peasant life, urban night life and agricultural landscapes. 23 paintings and 10 works on paper are supplemented by excerpts of Vincent's letters and supplementary text from his literary influences.

Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night was jointly organized by the Museum of Modern Art, New York (premiering venue; on view September 21, 2008-January 5, 2009) and the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (second and final venue; on view February 13-June 7, 2009).