Anselm Kiefer – Van Gogh Journey 1963

For the exhibition Anselm Kiefer – Van Gogh Journey 1963 at the Vincent van GoghHuis, I designed a comprehensive suite of materials including an exhibition wall, a bilingual catalogue, a poster, social media visuals and a mini-site where visitors can experience the journey through an audio story.

Since 2008 I have been working for the Vincent van GoghHuis in Zundert, a vibrant art centre in the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh. It celebrates Vincent’s inspiring life by presenting artists who were or are inspired by the work and/or life of Vincent van Gogh, alongside the story of his family.

The visual communication style of the Van GoghHuis has remained consistent since its inception. At the core of this style is Vincent Condensed, a custom condensed typeface, together with Trade Gothic, combined with a single captivating work of art.

For this exhibition, Kiefer’s Sonnenblumen was chosen as the key visual. Normally posters for an exhibition are in portrait format, but for this show I chose a landscape format with a minimal typographic overlay at the bottom, allowing the artwork to take centre stage.

Exhibition Wall Design

Part of the exhibition is a ten-metre-long wall that guides visitors through Kiefer’s 1963 study trip in a narrative journey that mirrors Vincent van Gogh’s own explorations. The wall unfolds in two parts: an introductory section that sets the scene, and a detailed diary section that recounts the journey through dated entries and rich illustrations. As visitors move along the wall, they encounter sketches, maps and portraits from Kiefer’s diary. The design incorporates elements from Kiefer’s diary, such as the Prestige Elite typewriter font used at the time, which lends authenticity, while Kiefer’s original handwritten chapter titles add an intimate touch. QR codes are discreetly embedded, inviting visitors to scan and listen to a narrated audio story in Dutch, English or German, further deepening the connection to Kiefer’s journey.

The audio files are hosted on a mini-site optimised for mobile devices. The site offers intuitive navigation so that users can easily explore the journey at their own pace.

Bilingual Catalogue

In conjunction with the physical and digital elements, I designed a 48-page bilingual catalogue that combines form and function. The layout is divided by a light grey area on each page, allowing the Dutch and English texts to flow side by side while sharing a common set of images. The design further distinguishes the languages by arranging the English text in three columns. A notable feature is the catalogue’s four-page cover, which incorporates front and back flaps to create a more robust and visually striking presentation.

Production and Collaboration

The entire project was completed within two months – a testament to meticulous planning and exceptional teamwork. Curators Ron Dirven and Eva Geene ensured that texts were flawlessly prepared and images were delivered in high resolution. My long-standing relationship with the team, along with a trusted network of local producers and freelance exhibition builders, made it possible to bring all the elements together into an engaging and cohesive design narrative.

If you are facing design challenges similar to those faced by the Vincent van GoghHuis, I would be delighted to help you create a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.

 
Anselm Kiefer – Van Gogh Journey 1963 will be on display at the Vincent van GoghHuis in Zundert from 8 March to 9 June 2025, and is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.

 
During the same period, Sag mir wo die Blumen sind an overview of Anselm Kiefer’s work, will be shown simultaneously at the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.