As a teenager, cartoonist and illustrator Alireza Karimi Moghaddam fell in love with the work of Vincent van Gogh and was drawn to his story
Like many creators, the cartoonist and illustrator Alireza Karimi Moghaddam fell in love with the work of Vincent van Gogh and was drawn to his story. Moghaddam was a teenager when he began to admire the artist’s style and vibrant colors.
Studying the history of Van Gogh, Moghaddam learned—and continues to learn—about the iconic figure and has created an entire series inspired by his life.
Moghaddam has been making Van Gogh illustrations for years. As the series continues, his work continues to evolve. His later pieces feature the artist’s famous thick, swirling brushstrokes, but Moghaddam’s illustrations also veer into the fantastical.
Van Gogh is seen hanging out with the likes of Frida Kahlo, and is seen interacting with contemporary technology and experiencing air travel. These modern luxuries are a far cry from the time of Van Gogh, who committed suicide in 1890.
The main objective of Moghaddam’s work is not to recount historical events. It is rather about the feelings that the artist’s work provokes.
“For me, Van Gogh is not just a famous artist and a genius, but a way of life,” he says. “He is not a frustrated and anguished figure, but a symbol of love, humanity and altruism. I understand and spread his creative ideas from a different perspective, and contrary to the prevailing traditional view, I would like a different Van Gogh to be a Van Gogh for everyone”.
