"Desire"

oil on canvas, 90*130 cm
finished 31-dec-1999 24:00 hr, by Jan van Gogh,
at the birth house of Vincent van Gogh in Zundert

VAN GOGH 2000

Closing the 20th century in honour of Vincent van Gogh
On december 31st 1999, the last day of the 20th century,
a unique ceremony was held in the house where Vincent van Gogh
was born, at the Markt 26, in Zundert, Noord-Brabant,The Netherlands.

Here, in the late afternoon,the well-known Dutch painter and artist,
Jan van Gogh has put the finishing touch,including date and signature,
on an oil painting, called "Desire"(90*130 cm).
This last work of art of the 20th-century is loaded with a symbolism
that fits the atmosphere of this very special place,and was dedicated
by Jan van Gogh to his illustre predecessor and namesake Vincent van Gogh.

This event was witnessed by mr. P. Neeb, Mayor of Zundert
and mr. C.H.M. Verdaasdonk, of the Cultural Centre van Gogh.
The notary M. Boemaars made up a certificate of the event.

For many, the recent turn of the century has been a moment
of reflection at past events and major developments throughout
human history. Considering the development of the arts,
the life and work of the illustre Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890),
with a major influence on the art of painting in Europe and
in the USA, cannot be neglected.

It seems fitting that the honour of being at the center
Of this ceremony befell to Jan van Gogh.
The lifes of both artists show striking parallels.
We speak not only of their outer appearance, but also about the
Regions (France and Brabant) where both have lived and worked,
and the dominating themes of their work (the female element, nature).
We also speak about their struggle against injustice and the
Struggle for elusive loves.
Both have found a way of expression in word, paint and poetry.
Looking at the style, the development that Jan van Gogh has
made in his artistic expression could be considered as a
sequel to the work of his famous predecessor and, without
doubt, remote member of the family.

pre-study of the milennium-painting "desire"

The ceremony of 31-Dec-1999, which was registered on film,
was open only on invitation, and could only be attended by
a limited group of people. The journalists present have published
their articles only after the turn of the 20th century, in conformity with the
wishes of the organizing committee.

The ceremony was closed appropriately with a meal of warm, roasted potatoes,
accompanied by French accordion music and a rich flow of Champaign.

Awaiting a more definite purpose, the unique painting has become
the property of the Jan van Gogh Foundation. This means, that it is
possible for a limited number of collectors to obtain a certified,
fast-dyed copy of this work, the last in honour to Vincent van Gogh
in the 20th century. The production of this copy takes place according to an
advanced, computer-aided process, in which UV-resistant pigments are
sprayed on specially prepared canvas. The process is concluded by
the application of a protective layer of varnish.

For more information, please contact:

the Jan van Gogh Foundation
chairman: A.F.H. van Wasbeek, RA
Vianendreef 9, 4841 LG, Prinsenbeek (NB), The Netherlands
phone: + 31 76-5421210, fax + 31 76-5429234
Chamber of Commerce Westelijk Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands, nr. S 107279

As Vincent van Gogh made his revolutionary works of art
in the 19th. Century, it seemed a good idea to end the
20th. Century with a hommage to his famous relative
by Jan van Gogh.

This is also why Jan van Gogh chose for a theme,
that would certainly have inspired Vincent as well:
Sunflowers with female shapes,
to express the beauty of nature, and the love and warmth
that Vincent missed during his life.
The painting isn't quite in the style of Vincent,
because Jan van Gogh has developed his own
characteristic style.

On the Occasion of the new Millennium,
Jan van Gogh wrote the following poem:

Millennium, a new Era
With the old still lingering in our vision
Flying around, without a sound
Eyes shut,
From the battle with time

Millennium, a new Era
Still people driven from their homes
Villages and cities burnt to ashes
Why not change our ways and structures?
Change, with the new time

Millennium, a new Era
Solidarity in our banner
Our gaze at the Sun
Enriching, like a Sunflower
With respect,... for our new Era.