Belarusian protest artist-activist Alexey Kuzmich intended to dig up the grave of Dutch impressionist Vincent Van Gogh, located in the cemetery of the French town of Auvers-sur-Oise. The photo of Kuzmich standing near Van Gogh’s grave was posted on Facebook on July 29, and the video of the performance was uploaded on YouTube.
The controversial act of Kuzmich has sparked a heated debate among art enthusiasts and the general public. Some see it as a bold and thought-provoking statement, while others view it as a disrespectful and outrageous act. But regardless of one’s opinion, Kuzmich’s performance has undeniably captured the attention of the world.
The idea behind Kuzmich’s performance was to draw attention to the issue of the commodification of art and the exploitation of artists. Van Gogh, who struggled with poverty and mental illness during his lifetime, is now one of the most celebrated and valuable artists in history. Kuzmich believes that this glorification of Van Gogh’s legacy has overshadowed the struggles he faced as an artist and human being.
In an interview, Kuzmich stated, «I wanted to remind people that Van Gogh was not just a name on a canvas, but a real person who suffered and struggled for his art. By digging up his grave, I wanted to symbolically expose the dark side of the art world and the way it treats artists.»
Kuzmich’s performance has also shed light on the issue of the commercialization of cemeteries. The cemetery in Auvers-sur-Oise has become a popular tourist destination, with thousands of people visiting Van Gogh’s grave every year. Kuzmich’s act has raised questions about the ethics of turning a burial site into a tourist attraction.
Despite the controversy surrounding his performance, Kuzmich remains unapologetic. He believes that his act has achieved its purpose of starting a conversation about the true value of art and the way it is perceived in society.
The mayor of Auvers-sur-Oise, Isabelle Mézières, has condemned Kuzmich’s performance, calling it a «desecration of a burial site.» However, she also acknowledged that the town has been struggling with the issue of overcrowding in the cemetery due to the influx of tourists. Mézières stated that they are considering implementing measures to limit the number of visitors to the cemetery.
Kuzmich’s performance has also sparked discussions about the role of art in society and the power of provocative art. Some argue that art should not cross certain boundaries, while others believe that it is the duty of artists to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
This is not the first time Kuzmich has used controversial methods to make a statement. In 2019, he set fire to a banknote during a performance, symbolizing the destruction of money and the capitalist system. He has also staged performances where he cuts up his own paintings, questioning the value and meaning of art in a consumerist society.
Kuzmich’s actions may be seen as extreme by some, but they have undoubtedly sparked important discussions about the role of art in society and the treatment of artists. His performance at Van Gogh’s grave may have been shocking, but it has succeeded in bringing attention to important issues that often go unnoticed.
In conclusion, Kuzmich’s performance at Van Gogh’s grave has caused a stir in the art world and beyond. Whether one agrees with his methods or not, it cannot be denied that he has succeeded in starting a conversation about the true value of art and the way it is perceived and treated in society. And perhaps, that was his ultimate goal – to make people think and question the status quo.
