Honouring Vincent van Gogh: The Master Who Sparked My Journey

Honouring Vincent van Gogh: The Master Who Sparked My Journey A Tribute By Prof. Dr. Jeffery Yap President, International Modern Arts Consortium On this day — March 30th — the world remembers Vincent van Gogh, one of the most brilliant and misunderstood artists in history. As the President of the International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC), this day is especially close to my heart, because Van Gogh wasn’t just a historical figure to me — he was the beginning of a lifelong journey. My mother tells me I began drawing at the age of two — with a pencil always in my hand, doodling on any surface I could find. Art wasn’t taught to me; it came naturally, like a language I had always known. By the age of nine, I was sent to MASEAN Art Academy in Kajang, where my formal training began. And it was there that I first encountered the soul of Vincent van Gogh. Meeting Vincent: Not in Person, But in Spirit I still remember the day my teacher introduced me to Van Gogh’s work. The Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Wheatfield with Crows — every piece seemed to whisper something deeper than paint and canvas. It was as if his emotions were alive — raw, vulnerable, yet fiercely beautiful. But it wasn’t just the art that moved me. It was the man behind it. A man who faced rejection, battled inner storms, lived in isolation, and still gave everything he had to the world through his work. Vincent van Gogh painted with honesty. He didn’t hide his scars; he turned them into masterpieces. Art as Truth Van Gogh taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: art is not about perfection — it is about truth. It is about expressing what words cannot say. About turning pain into colour. About speaking through silence. His legacy reminded me that the world often misunderstands its most gifted minds. But it is in those very minds that the future of art — and humanity — is born. The Birth of the International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC) Years later, that spark Van Gogh ignited in me became the foundation of something greater. I founded the International Modern Arts Consortium to honour not just him, but every artist like him — misunderstood, yet extraordinary. IMAC was born out of a desire to build a global community where modern artists can be discovered, supported, and celebrated. A place where creative souls are given the stage they deserve. Where passion is met with purpose. Where the next Van Gogh doesn’t fade into silence — but rises in recognition. A Promise to Vincent Today, on what would be your 172nd birthday, Vincent, I say this: I will continue your legacy. I will uphold your spirit and preserve your brilliance. Through the International Modern Arts Consortium, I will champion artists who feel too deeply, love too strongly, and create too fiercely to ever fit into the ordinary mold. IMAC will be a sanctuary for bold voices, unfiltered talent, and art with soul. Your story gave me purpose — and that purpose will echo through every artist we uplift. Happy Birthday, Vincent van Gogh. Your stars still shine. And your spirit still lives on — not just in museums, but in the hearts of artists across the world. Thank you for giving us your truth. I will spend my life honouring it. Happy Birthday, Vincent van Gogh! March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890 Celebrating the life of a true genius who changed the world of art forever. 1853 – Born in Zundert, Netherlands. His father was a pastor, and his mother, the daughter of a bookseller. 1869 – At 16, began working at Goupil & Cie art gallery in The Hague. Later posted to London and Paris. 1876 – Left the gallery at 23. Briefly became a teacher and preacher’s assistant. 1879 – Served as a missionary in the coal-mining region of Borinage, Belgium. Began painting in the midst of poverty. 1880 – At 27, decided to become an artist and studied art seriously. 1881–1885 – Created powerful depictions of rural life in the Netherlands, including The Potato Eaters. 1886 – Moved to Paris, lived with his brother Theo. Influenced by Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism, his style became more vibrant. 1888 – Moved to Arles in southern France, dreamed of building an artist community. Painted Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and more. Dec 1888 – Suffered a breakdown and cut off part of his ear after tensions with Paul Gauguin. May 1889 – Admitted himself to a mental hospital in Saint-Rémy. Created The Starry Night, Cypresses, and other masterpieces. May 1890 – Moved to Auvers-sur-Oise under Dr. Paul Gachet’s care. Painted Wheatfield with Crows. July 27, 1890 – Shot himself in a wheat field. Passed away two days later at just 37. Just months before his death, the art world began to take notice. His work was exhibited in Paris and Brussels, where critic Albert Aurier declared him a “true genius.” Vincent, your sunflowers still bloom, your stars still shine. Happy birthday to a legend who painted from the soul. Prof. Dr. Jeffery Yap Founder & President International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC) © 2025 International Modern Arts Consortium. All rights reserved.