Features

Since 2010, as part of the Journées du Patrimoine, the annual celebration of Europe’s cultural heritage, the School of Visual Arts and the Valetudo Association have mounted joint exhibitions to promote the therapeutic value of making art. The exhibitions, each with its own theme, are presented in the Romanesque cloister of Saint-Paul de Mausole, part of a historic monastery in Saint-Rémy de Provence where Valetudo operates a psychiatric clinic. In the late 19th century, Vincent van Gogh was treated for over a year at Saint-Paul and, as a patient, was encouraged to paint—in effect, a form of art therapy. The Starry Night, Irises and many other celebrated works made during his stay demonstrate that the period at the clinic was one of his most productive.

The 2023 exhibition, "Living Heritage," marks the 12th year of a transatlantic partnership that SVA Executive Vice President Anthony P. Rhodes originated in an exchange of exhibitions with Dr. Jean-Marc Boulon, director of Valetudo. This year, SVA alumni will show 35 works in fine art, illustration, photography, animation, video and computer art. Among the pieces are several striking depictions of people interacting with others from the past, including Crystal Anne Chijindu’s (MPS 2018 Digital Photography) image of a contemporary woman encountering an ancestor; and Mark Lang’s (MFA 1990 Illustration as Visual Essay) painting of a man sharing a drink and conversation with Van Gogh—the latter a fitting choice for this setting so inextricably linked with the famous Post-Impressionist painter. “In one way or another, they all exude a life-affirming spirit of continuity that is fitting to this year’s theme,” said Francis Di Tommaso, director of SVA Galleries.

Check out our sneak peek of the exhibition below.

"Living Heritage" will be on view from September 15 to December 31 from 10:15am to 6pm at Saint-Paul de Mausole, Saint-Rémy de Provence, France. For more information about past SVA shows at Saint-Paul de Mausole click here.