Sunny Lawn in a Public Park 1888

Vincent van Gogh created “Sunny Lawn in a Public Park” with oil on canvas. At first glance, the vibrant greens and blues, applied with thick, impasto strokes, create a visually dynamic surface. The composition, with its upward-sloping lawn, draws the eye into a space that feels both inviting and slightly disorienting. Van Gogh’s use of short, directional brushstrokes is particularly striking. These strokes don't just represent grass; they create a sense of movement and energy that destabilizes the traditional, static representation of landscape. The lawn is structured in such a way as to destabilize perception, challenging our notions of depth and perspective. The tension between representation and abstraction is a key element of van Gogh's oeuvre. He challenges the viewer to question the nature of perception and representation itself. By doing so, the artwork remains open to continuous interpretation, inviting us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.