“The Reaper” by Kanuty Rusiecki. Recreated by Eglandas Višinskas
Ever wanted to star in a Leonardo da Vinci painting or transform yourself into a Van Gogh? The VanGoYourself platform is a space where you and your friends can recreate historic artworks and share them with the world. Originally created as part of Europeana—a digital platform to promote the European Union’s cultural heritage—the website encourages us to get playful with art.
The project is managed by Culture24, “an independent arts charity in the UK with a sense of humor.” Via the VanGoYourself website, art lovers are encouraged to peruse more than 100 paintings from 34 venues in 15 countries. Each painting is labeled to help you make your selection. Do you want to go for something “easy to recreate” or prove your skills with an artwork that is a “challenge for a master?” You can also get friends in on the action—just search the catalog by the number of people needed. You can get even more specific by searching the mood of the artwork.
Submit your art recreation on the website and if it’s good enough, you’ll be included in their online gallery. It’s clear that lots of people fancy themselves Van Gogh, but it’s equally charming to see children and adults alike throw themselves into some of the more complex compositions. And the best part is that anyone can do it, no painting skills necessary. With just a bit of creativity and imagination, it’s incredible to see just how much we can engage with history, and have fun in the process.
VanGoYourself encourages people to get engaged with historic masterpieces by submitting their own art recreations.
“Van Gogh 1887 Self-Portrait” by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Recreated by Optivion
“Madonna and Child” by Ambrogio Borgognone (1465-1525). Recreated by Ruzistori
“The Bitter Potion” by Adriaen Brouwer (1605/06-1638). Recreated by Şahan Gürkan
“The Lute Player” by Frans Hals (1582-1666). Recreated by Nikolina
“Dance on the Jetty” by Hugo Simberg (1873 –1917). Recreated by Päivi
“The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). Recreated by Mariella Brunazzi
“Self-portrait” by Napoleon Iłłakowicz. Recreated by Lenni
“The Gower Family: The Children of Granville, 2nd Earl Gower” by George Romney (1734-1802). Recreated by Maria
“Evening Lecture NVanderpeet” by Hendrik Jacobus Scholten (1824-1907). Recreated by samir mazumder
“The Emperor Augustus Rebuking Cornelius Cinna for His Treachery” by Étienne-Jean Delécluze (1781-1863). Recreated by Leoht
“The Visitation” by Jacopo da Pontormo (1494-1557). Recreated by Priscilla
VanGoYourself: Website | Facebook
h/t: [this isn’t happiness]
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