Vincent Van Gogh – Sadness Will Last Forever: The Artist and his Darkness

There is no shortage of books about Vincent Van Gogh, whether they be studies of his art or of the man himself. Readers can be forgiven for thinking that Vincent Van Gogh: Sadness Will Last Forever is just another in that long line. Barilla and Sakka offer something different though, as they combine moments of Van Gogh’s life with conversations between Van Gogh and his own mental darkness.

Sakka’s art choices are a big reason why this blend of the real and the cerebral works. The real world is somewhat “standard” in its depiction of Van Gogh and other people. Sakka tends toward rounded, sometimes angular features with people’s faces. Most of their expressions come via eye shape and direction. This is especially true with Van Gogh whose emotions sometimes have a wide range in a scene. The characters themselves are frequently taller and thinner, giving them a kind of lighter quality.

The conversations between Van Gogh and his own darkness are more abstract. In some instances they resemble Van Gogh’s art. There is a sequence late in the book that is heavily inspired by The Starry Night. These more abstract and painting-inspired moments also provide a welcome variety to the overall visual expression of Vincent Van Gogh: Sadness Will Last Forever–this book is more than just an illustrated biography.

Overall coloring reinforces the distinction between these two aspects of Vincent Van Gogh: Sadness Will Last Forever. The real world actions lean toward a brighter palette, even when dealing with darker moments like twilight times of day. There is always a noticeable to high level of contrast.

Van Gogh’s conversations with his own darkness are depicted in dark colors. Black is the order of the day most often. If it is accompanied by other colors, darker reds being the most common. There is a high level of contrast here as well, but it is especially dark.

Overall visuals do suffer when it comes to the lettering choice made. Gabrielli uses a thin font that blends both cursive and script elements. The font’s color varies depending on the colors used by Sakka at any given time. Unfortunately the font overall is difficult to read. The overall font features letters that are extremely thin and compressed. There are many times when trying to decipher pieces of text distracts from the overall visual experience. In a book that is a near total artistic success, this is an unfortunate detraction.

Barilli’s blend of narratives–that is, the story of Van Gogh’s interactions with other people and Van Gogh’s conversations with himself–is a fascinating way to approach the man. The first aspect, Van Gogh’s interactions with other people, tells the story of the man’s life but doesn’t get too caught up in an extended biological narrative. Barilli visits several distinct periods in Van Gogh’s life. Especially compelling is Barilli’s depiction of the painter’s relationship with his brother Theo later in the book. These sequences add a lot of humanity to Van Gogh as the end of his life approaches.

These somewhat standard biographical sequences are not what sets Vincent Van Gogh: Sadness Will Last Forever apart, though. Barilli’s concept of Van Gogh’s conversations with his own darkness adds a distinct psychological element that follows the man throughout the book.. When Van Gogh’s life seems to be on a positive track, the darkness offers a contrast. When the man is struggling in life, this darkness reinforces that feeling. No matter the tone, Van Gogh’s struggle is a very potent aspect of the book.