Japan’s influence on Vincent van Gogh is the subject of a major new exhibition in Amsterdam which has been designed with the help of AkzoNobel’s color experts and Sikkens paint brand.

Opening at the Van Gogh Museum on March 23, Van Gogh and Japan will shed light on the impact that Japanese art and culture had on the Dutch artist and how it gave his work a new direction.

The specially designed pastel color selection for the exhibition’s rooms ranges from soft green and rose, to light brown and dark blue – helping to create a truly Japanese experience for visitors.

“Color is our core business at AkzoNobel and we know how much it matters in people’s daily experiences,” said the company’s Chief Operating Officer of Paints and Coatings, Ruud Joosten. “Our own heritage has clear links to Van Gogh and we’re proud to support this outstanding exhibition with our color expertise and Sikkens paints.”

Added Axel Rüger, Director of the Van Gogh Museum: “The design of the exhibition brings a balance between strong color effects and Van Gogh’s clear composition. Working with a color expert like AkzoNobel is helping us to enrich the way our visitors perceive Van Gogh’s masterpieces.”

Running until June 24, Van Gogh and Japan follows the museum’s recent Dutch in Paris 1789-1914 exhibition, which was also staged in collaboration with AkzoNobel.