Actor gives new life to Van Gogh

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Actor gives new life to Van Gogh

Postby Regina on Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:54 am

ACTOR GIVES NEW LIFE TO VAN GOGH

For more than a hundred years, artists and historians have sought to understand the curious mind of genius artist Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890).  Now one actor takes a most piercing look at the Dutch post-impressionist painter from the inside out.
 
By portraying Van Gogh, Joseph Kaknes enjoys both his favorite loves:  painting and acting. Kaknes takes on the persona of Van Gogh and transforms the stage into Van Gogh’s studio.
 
Reviewers call his performance “an experience at the feet of the master artist… a superb display of live, hands-on painting.” After the performance, Kaknes takes questions and spreads his passion and respect for the venerable Van Gogh.
 
“Our series is expressly designed to broaden local access to the arts,” says Coordinator Ken Bohannon, who teaches music at USAO.  “This event is a delightful opportunity to experience both fine and performing arts in a single evening.  We are excited to bring Kaknes to Chickasha.”
 
“Van Gogh” is scheduled at 8 p.m. on Oct. 27 in Davis Hall Theatre. Tickets are available at the door or at the USAO Business Office window in Troutt Hall.
 
According to the Bulfinch Guide to Art History, Van Gogh was largely self-taught. His first works were “heavily painted, mud-colored and clumsy attempts to represent the life of the poor (e.g. Potato-Eaters, 1885, Amsterdam).”  Van Gogh moved to Paris in 1886, living with his devoted brother, Theo, who as a dealer introduced him to artists like Gauguin, Pissarro, Seurat and Toulouse-Lautrec. These experiences changed his life and perspective.
 
Since 2001, when Kaknes visited Van Gogh’s grave in France, he has portrayed the tormented artist more than 30 times in performances across the eastern United States.  It has been praised as one of the best one-man shows in America.
 
When not portraying Van Gogh, Kaknes is a highly regarded artist in his own right.  His paintings are heavily influenced by Van Gogh, Monet, and Sisley, but they transcend the work of the masters and exhibit his own individual artistic vision.  
 
Reviewers say the boldness and passion of his brush strokes and knife work bring life to each painting.  His work reflects his love of the ocean and of the natural environment.  Whether the subject matter is the coast of New England or the streets of Paris, Kaknes works to capture the spirit of a place and the moment.  His works are included in prestigious private and corporate collections.

This upcoming performance in Chickasha is the third event in the USAO Foundation’s annual Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series.  
 
To date, many local businesses have pledged support for the series.  They include both corporate and family sponsors, ranging from "Platinum Benefactors" for gifts over $7,500 to "Performance Series Artists" for a gift of $250 for the season.  
 
Major funding comes from KOOL 105.5 Radio of Chickasha, the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Mid-America Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts.  
 
Silver Benefactors include Alliance Oil and Gas of Chickasha, the First National Bank, the Mosley Agency, and the USAO Cultural and Entertainment Committee.
 
This year’s Bronze Benefactors are Chickasha Bank and Trust Co and the Mid America Arts Alliance.  Performance Series Angels include John, Marilyn and Katy Feaver, the Holiday Inn Express, and the Inasmuch Foundation.  Performance Series Patrons are Livingston Machinery and Nicola Banking Systems.  Additional support comes from Five Oaks Medical Center, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Mid First Bank, Grady Memorial Hospital, Joe and Debbie Evans, Joe and Arline Epperson, Diannah and Jim Parker, Alan and Susan Proctor, Perry and Virginia Ramsey, and John and Patti Rogstad.  
 
For ticket information, call 574-1213.
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Regina
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