Garn Gogh

Garn Gogh is an interactive exhibit designed for the Visiodrom in Wuppertal. Instead of a traditional canvas, a screen is mounted on an artist’s easel, with colorful threads hanging in front of it. By pulling these threads, visitors can choose colors and digitally recolor Vincent van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. The threads are mounted on breakaway points with magnets, which hold them securely during normal interaction but release under excessive force, ensuring visitor safety while allowing the threads to be easily reattached.

The installation is inspired by Van Gogh’s own working method: he used wool to experiment with color combinations and study their effects before applying paint to the canvas. A short animated introduction video guides visitors through the experience. At the end each personalized version of the artwork can be saved and taken home via a QR code. The font used in the installation was custom-created based on Van Gogh’s own handwriting, adding a personal and authentic touch to the experience.