Garden of the Asylum

Garden of the Asylum

Qingyang He

Abstract

Garden of the Asylum is a multi-disciplinary live music performance that merges music and visual storytelling. More than a tribute to Van Gogh’s art, it is an exploration of art, emotion, and the human psyche. As co-producers, we draw inspiration from Van Gogh’s emotional world, using music to retell his passion for artistic expression and the strong emotions that shaped his artworks and continue to resonate today. In an era of rapid change, more people experience similar psychological states. Through this performance, we seek to build a bridge where audiences do not merely observe art but engage with it on a personal level—seeing their own emotions reflected and experiencing how art becomes a medium for emotional connection and self-exploration. Using a garden as a metaphor, we envision Van Gogh’s emotions blooming like flowers in his mental landscape, taking form through music, visuals, and lighting. The performance unfolds in three interconnected movements—Solitude, Self-Doubt, and Paranoia—each led by a musician (JOSEPH, Jilly!, and Kéquetz) whose original compositions not only interpret Van Gogh’s emotions but also reflect their own artistic and personal experiences. Each section begins with a visual or soundscape piece, serving as a transition that immerses the audience in the upcoming emotional state. The stage design integrates scrim projection, multi-layer lighting, and immersive soundscape, enhancing the emotional depth of the performance.

Publication Date

7-1-2025

Campus

New York City Campus

Specialization

Live Music Production and Design

Keywords

Live Performance; Media Design Techniques; Multimedia Performance; Live Music Production

Garden of the Asylum

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