The collaboration between Pokémon Center and the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam to celebrate the 170th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s birth is a truly unique and artistic endeavor. They have reimagined six classic works of Vincent van Gogh as enameled pins with special Pokémon additions. These pins are presented in a beautifully designed box that can also serve as a home for trinkets.
The collaboration between Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum emerged in anticipation of the museum’s 50th anniversary this year, as stated by Director Gordenker. She notes that there are more connections between the two than one might expect. “Pokémon is Japanese: it is an icon of Japanese visual culture. And Van Gogh was highly interested in Japanese print art.”
The inspiration for these designs came from some of Van Gogh’s iconic paintings: “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat” (1887), “Self-Portrait with Straw Hat” (1887), “Sunflowers” (1889), “Self-Portrait as a Painter” (1887–1888), “The Bedroom” (1888), and “Wheatfield with Crows” (1890).
The original artworks are the property of the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam and are used as a basis for this creative collaboration.
The set includes a total of six pins, each representing a different Pokémon inspired by a specific Van Gogh painting:
- Pikachu Inspired by “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat” (1887)
- Eevee Inspired by “Self-Portrait with Straw Hat” (1887)
- Sunflora Inspired by “Sunflowers” (1889)
- Smeargle Inspired by “Self-Portrait as a Painter” (1887–1888)
- Munchlax & Snorlax Inspired by “The Bedroom” (1888)
- Corviknight Inspired by “Wheatfield with Crows” (1890)
This collaboration not only pays homage to the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh but also adds a delightful Pokémon twist to his timeless masterpieces. It’s a fantastic way to blend art and pop culture and is sure to be a treat for art enthusiasts and Pokémon fans alike.
