Cartoonist Illustrates the Remarkable Life of Vincent van Gogh in Colorful Comics

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Iranian cartoonist Alireza Karimi Moghaddam shares his admiration for Vincent van Gogh in an ongoing comic series starring the Post-Impressionist painter. His colorful illustrations tell the story of the iconic artist’s turbulent life and the artwork he produced during his short career.

From cycling through a meadow of sunflowers and laying in wheat fields to paddling in the ocean and observing the night sky, Moghaddam often illustrates Van Gogh exploring the nature that inspired some of his most famous works. In one image, cartoon Van Gogh looks up at the swirling night sky, which Moghaddam illustrates as stylized, painterly brushstrokes of color. This references one of the artist’s most iconic works, The Starry Night (1889), which visualizes the view from the “iron-barred window” of his asylum room at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, just before sunrise.

Digitally rendered in colorful line work, Moghaddam’s comics are aesthetically cheery, but that doesn’t mean the talented cartoonist shies away from portraying Van Gogh’s darker side. Many images illustrate the troubled artist’s battle with mental health. One comic shows Van Gogh feeding his cut-off ear to crows, and another depicts him standing atop of a bridge, contemplating suicide. No matter the situation, each illustrated scene gives a true representation of the iconic artist’s life in Moghaddam’s distinct, animated style.

Scroll down to see some of Moghaddam’s comics starting Van Gogh. You can find even more from the series on Instagram.

Iranian cartoonist Alireza Karimi Moghaddam shares his admiration for Vincent van Gogh in an ongoing comic series starring the Post-Impressionist painter.

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Moghaddam often illustrates Van Gogh exploring parts of nature that have inspired some of his most famous works.

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

There are also many images that illustrate the troubled artist’s battle with mental health.

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Van Gogh Cartoons by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Alireza Karimi Moghaddam: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam.

Related Articles:

5 Real-Life Locations That Inspired Vincent van Gogh’s Paintings

Where You Can See 10 of Van Gogh’s Most Famous Paintings Around the World

How Van Gogh’s Love of Painting Sunflowers Blossomed During His Short Career

The Fascinating Story Behind the Painting That Led to Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content