Merry Christmas, Van Gogh

The art of Dr. T.F. Chen involves an imaginative creating out of art history with a witty and often humorous presentation, as this happy example attests to. Originally, Paul Gauguin’s visit to Vincent van Gogh in Arles ended in conflict and tragedy. On Christmas Eve of 1888, Vincent, out of control, tried to attack his respected artist-friend-guest with an open razor. Unable to do so, Vincent retreated to his room and cut his own ear. The famous “Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe” (1888) was painted after the incident.

In Chen’s version, we see, in front of the terrace of a night cafe and under a starry night, the bandaged Van Gogh walking side by side with Gauguin. Van Gogh’s best friend and neighbor in Arles, the postman Joseph Roulin, follows behind them. A large decorated Christmas tree occupies the right hand side of the painting. Beneath it, a Santa Claus rings a bell and merrily shouts: “Merry Christmas! May Love and Reconciliation bless your heart this night!”

The spirit of Christmas is a universal call to make peace among people. In this “Global Village” of the 21st Century, this kind of love consciousness is of utmost importance; all of our lives depend on it. May Reconciliation and Harmony touch all of our hearts and bless all of humanity!

– T. F. and Julie Chen