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In his early years, the beloved Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh worked unsuccessfully at various jobs. At the beginning of 1888, he travelled to Arles, and found sanctuary in the warm sun and vibrant colors of Provence. On May 1 of that year, Vincent rented part of the so-called "Yellow House,'' where he dreamt of making a "Studio of the South'' and of starting an artists’ collective community. His much-beloved series of sunflower paintings was created to decorate the house. On May 8, 1889, Vincent voluntarily entered Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Vincent was granted a studio, and many of his best-known works were created there, among them, the beloved “Starry Night.” The painting is now housed in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. On July 27, 1890, Vincent came home with a gunshot wound in the chest, and died 30 hours later with Theo by his side. Six months later, Theo also passed away. The two brothers were buried side by side at the Auvers-sur-Oise Cemetery. “Wheatfield with Crows,” a painting filled with ill omens, is claimed to be Vincent’s last finished work. Vincent left an enormous legacy following his short creative career and fleeting life. His works speak eloquently of his hope, devotion, love, and sensibilities, as well as his sadness, extreme loneliness, and unrelenting struggles. Soon after Vincent’s death, a new generation of artists found inspiration in his art and before long, his paintings received enthusiastic recognition. They were elevated to one of the most adored series of works in art history. This staggering contrast unfolds a sad revelation, as our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai earnestly advised: “I feel the world should encourage artists more in different ways, should appreciate more their work, offer them more recognition and appreciation, offer more support and offer more respect in all ways, all means, all aspects, and above all, not wait until they leave our world in misery, then sell their soul-stirring, heart-touching products for millions of dollars while the artists themselves struggle with meager existence when they are alive among us.”
