Etel Adnan's Colour as Language at Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam presents 'Colour as Language', a retrospective of Etel Adnan (1925–2021) that places her vibrant landscapes and leporello books in dialogue with Vincent van Gogh's works. Adnan, who made her painting breakthrough at age 87, sought to transcend language through color, much like Van Gogh. The exhibition includes her tapestries and literature, and explores her multicultural upbringing across Beirut, Paris, and California. A multimedia guide and guided tours (until 4 September 2022) highlight parallels between the two artists. The show also features a video series with architect Afaina de Jong, pâtissier Hidde de Brabander, fashion stylist Thomas Vermeer, and ReFramer Ahmed Batman discussing color and language. Adnan died on 14 November 2021 at age 96, just as this retrospective was being prepared.