Artistic and philosophical conceptualization of the "Ph Paradox" in the Xanthopsia collection

The reinterpretation of Vincent van Gogh's Garden in Arles under the title The pH Paradox in the Xanthopsia collection is a hybrid work, mixing physical and digital painting, which explores the tensions between man, nature and ecological balances. This piece, revisited in subrealist abstraction becomes a contemplative and dreamlike allegory, inviting a deep reflection on the complex dynamics between pollution, ecological balance and human activities.

Fragile balances and anthropic alterations: a subrealist abstraction

- pH as a visual metaphor: In this reinterpretation, pH becomes a central symbol, represented by chromatic variations and textures that evoke acidity and alkalinity. Van Gogh’s bright, contrasting colours are transformed into a more acidic and discoloured palette, reflecting the anthropogenic alterations of natural environments. The organic forms of the Arles garden are deconstructed, fragmented and recomposed into a subrealist abstraction, where natural elements seem to dissolve in an acidified environment.

- Fragility and chaos: The work captures the fragility of ecosystems, where chemical balances are disrupted by human activities. The moving, fluid and unstable forms symbolise life in perpetual mutation, but also vulnerability to environmental imbalances. Van Gogh’s garden, once a symbol of beauty and serenity, here becomes a space of tension, where nature struggles to maintain its balance in the face of external pressures.

- Reinterpretation of Van Gogh’s duality: Van Gogh, in his original work, already explored the tensions between light and darkness, chaos and harmony. This reinterpretation pushes this duality further, by applying it to contemporary issues. The contrasts between bright colours and dark areas, between organic forms and digital textures, illustrate the tensions between man and nature, between immediate profit and long-term sustainability.

- Xanthopsia and the Yellow Vision: The Xanthopsia collection, or "yellow vision", represents an altered perception, where positivity is sought even in dark times. In this work, yellow, Van Gogh's emblematic colour, becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. Despite imbalances and disruptions, life persists, and the work suggests that it is possible to find a balance between human development and environmental preservation.

- Utopia and Dystopia: The work oscillates between utopia and dystopia, between the beauty of nature and the consequences of its alteration. It reminds us that, even in a world marked by pollution and acidification, there is a possibility of renewal and reconciliation. This utopian vision is reinforced by the use of modern techniques, which show how art and technology can coexist to create new forms of beauty and reflection.

Tribute to : Van Gogh, Garden at Arles

See the original work at:  Kunstmuseum Den Haag