Multimedia art show Van Gogh Alive arrives in Beijing

The show Van Gogh Alive offers visitors a different way to appreciate the masterpieces by the Dutch painter. [Photo provided to China Daily]

For instance, a dozen crows in his stunning piece Wheatfield with Crows come alive for a sudden flight and disappear in the cloudy sky. Or, a smoky train from one of his sketches seems to chug along the track, thanks to computer-generated imagery.

Generally, the show immerses people in the environment of Van Gogh's canvases famed for their rich palette. Viewers find themselves standing on moving images of Sunflowers; on a narrow pathway leading to The Cafe Terrace at Night; counting stars in The Starry Night; surrounded by many Almond Blossoms.

Van Gogh wrote many letters to his relatives and friends, especially to his younger brother, Theo, excerpts of which are also being screened at the Beijing show, helping people better understand the artist's life and philosophy.