So Maybe Van Gogh Didn't Kill Himself?

First Stacy Schiff concludes that Cleopatra didn't die of an asp bite. And now Van Gogh's biographers say he didn't off himself? (Quick! Somebody notify Don McLean!) To hear them talk firsthand, check out this event:

Vincent Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock: Changing What Art Is

Monday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.

Simulcast, C-3 Theater, Dallas Museum of Art

Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith are the talented pair that wrote Jackson Pollock, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, finalist for the American Book Award and a New York Times bestseller. The Detroit Free Press says of Jackson Pollock, it is “a superb biography....lavishly illustrated, it reads with the fluid grace of a fine novel....(Naifeh and Smith) succeed at making art history a good read.... In a period of many fine biographies, this ranks among the best."

Here's what the DMA says: "On this evening, they will be discussing their forthcoming book, Van Gogh: The Life, the first complete biography of Van Gogh featuring new information on one of the world’s most popular artists. Already praised as 'the definitive biography for decades to come' by the curator of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, this new biography reshapes our knowledge of the artist’s incredibly turbulent life, thanks to a wealth of primary sources never before available. It is the account of an extraordinary and at times emotionally convulsive life but also the first book to trace the workings of an artistic genius in such graphic, gripping, and ultimately inspirational detail.

"Naifeh and Smith have re-created Van Gogh’s life with an astounding vividness and psychological acuity that bring a completely new and sympathetic understanding to this unique artistic genius whose signature images of sunflowers and starry nights have won a permanent place in the human imagination.

"At this event, Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith will discuss their new book on Vincent van Gogh and will spend some time sharing similarities they have found between van Gogh and Jackson Pollock."

USA Today described their new work, “As imposing as a history book, as entertaining as a novel, and as close as the reader may ever come to sharing the breadth—and sensing the madness—of artistic genius and the genesis of a masterpiece.” Publishers Weekly says the authors "argue that the great and tortured impressionist ran afoul of a couple of bizarre teenage boys on a long walk home, ending in his accidental shooting death."

The event in Horchow Auditorium has sold out. There will be a simulcast showing in the C3 Theater. Upgrades will be available the night of the event at Will Call. Will Call will open at 6:30 p.m.

Simulcast Ticket Prices:

DMA members, Free

Full, $5

Students, Free

Purchase tickets online or call 214-922-1818.