Volume 2: Van Goghs Stolen Paintings with Eve Kalyva

In this Context Conversation, we will talk about the stolen paintings of Vincent van Gogh and specifically those stolen from Amsterdam in 2002. Is art theft really that common? We might be surprised by what we find out. Thousands of artworks and other cultural artifacts are stolen every year, generating billions of dollars in profit. Unfortunately, van Gogh hasn't fallen short of being a victim to it.

We'll start by sketching out a quick overview of van Gogh's life and work before we turn our attention to art theft. We will consider the magnitude of the problem, talk about some intriguing cases from across the years leading up to the present-day, and consider the risks of this particular type of criminal activity and why people do it. We will then delve deeper into van Gogh's relation to it. Coming at the end of a long list of heists, two paintings were stolen in 2002 from the van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. The paintings were small in size, but high in importance. If you're looking to learn about how this infamous robbery took place, or about the journey of these two paintings and their value, as well as the shady world of art theft and its impact, then this conversation will pique your interest.

Led by art critic and expert Eve Kalyva, this interactive discussion will awaken your interest in the world of stolen paintings. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a better understanding of van Gogh and his stolen artworks.

This conversation is the second in a three-part series. Each seminar can be joined independently and in any order.  
Volume 1: Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum with Eve Kalyva
Volume 2: Van Goghs Stolen Paintings with Eve Kalyva
Volume 3: Van Gogh and Japan: A Dialogue with Eve Kalyva

Eve is an art critic and writer. She comes from an interdisciplinary background (physics, fine art, literature, art history) and completed her Ph.D. at Leeds (2011) on conceptual art and experimental exhibition strategies. Her work examines art's social practices, multimodality, and social semiotics. Eve has worked as a lecturer in Europe and Latin America and has collaborated with art institutions as a curator, critic, and artist in residence. She has spent most of her life traveling and is intrigued by Amsterdam's multinational and transcultural community and vibrant artistic scene.

This conversation is suitable for all ages

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.