Vincent van Gogh Fan Illustrates the Dutch Artist’s Life in a Colorful Comic Series

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh sold only one artwork during his life; but today, his work is some of the most recognizable paintings of all time. The legendary Dutch artist is known for his colorful depictions of the French countryside, sunflowers, starry nights, and his emotional self-portraits. His art—along with the tragic stories of his turbulent personal life—continues to fascinate art lovers all over the world. One of those people is Iranian cartoonist Alireza Karimi Moghaddam. He’s the maker behind an ongoing comic series dedicated to illustrating the life of Van Gogh.

Although Van Gogh’s life had a bitter ending when he died by suicide in 1890, Moghaddam’s work focuses on showing how the artist’s life was “all about beauty and love.” His vibrant, graphic illustrations show the famous painter enjoying the nature that inspired some of his best known works. In one illustration, Moghaddam depicts Van Gogh admiring a field of irises, and in another, he draws him sitting in an almond blossom tree.

Although many of Moghaddam’s charming illustrations give an accurate representation of Van Gogh’s life, some of his images offer a more fantastical narrative. He often depicts the artist hanging out with Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, despite the fact they lived during different times. “[Frida Kahlo] is an artist who has experienced many sufferings in her life, just like Van Gogh,” says Moghaddam. “Since Van Gogh was almost without an emotional partner during his life, I introduced Frida to Van Gogh's life to make my stories more interesting.”

No matter the scene, Moghaddam renders his illustrations to mimic Van Gogh’s iconic painterly style, complete with layers of short brushstrokes and swirling motifs. He hopes his comic series will continue to keep the legend of Van Gogh alive. “I believe my words are in fact the words that Van Gogh wanted people to hear,” he says. “But I also try to respect him and his art. I consider it as my duty.”

Check out some of Moghaddam’s Van Gogh-inspired illustrations below and find even more on Instagram.

Iranian cartoonist Alireza Karimi Moghaddam is the maker behind an ongoing comic series dedicated to illustrating the life of Vincent van Gogh.

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

His vibrant illustrations focus on showing how the artist’s life was “all about beauty and love.”

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

He even introduced Frida Kahlo into his life, as an imaginary narrative.

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Each charming scene is rendered in Van Gogh's painterly style.

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Vincent van Gogh Comic by Alireza Karimi Moghaddam

Alireza Karimi Moghaddam: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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

Related Articles:

Colorful Comic Illustrations Celebrate the Vibrant Life of Vincent van Gogh

How Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ Came to Be and Continues to Inspire Artists

Dutch Museums Unveil Free Digital Collection of 1,000+ Artworks by Van Gogh

26 Fun & Artsy Gifts For the Van Gogh Fan in Your Life

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.
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