On April 7, 2025, the beloved cultural program "Ulisse. Il piacere della scoperta" returns to the screen, hosted by the renowned Alberto Angela. This new season kicks off with an episode titled "I colori dell'eternità," which delves into the life, struggles, and masterpieces of the iconic painter Vincent van Gogh.
The episode airs on Rai 1 at 21:30 and is also available for streaming on RaiPlay. This new installment is particularly exciting as it marks a significant moment for the show, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this November. Angela, known for his engaging storytelling and deep dives into history and art, promises a fresh perspective on Van Gogh's life and work.
In this episode, viewers will journey through the key locations that shaped Van Gogh's artistic vision—from his birthplace in Zundert, Netherlands, to the vibrant streets of Paris, and the sun-soaked fields of Arles. Angela aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Van Gogh, often labeled as a "cursed artist" due to his tumultuous life and struggles with mental health.
"We will enter his paintings, where he projected his soul, using virtual reality to enhance the experience," Angela explained. He emphasizes that behind the label of a misunderstood genius lies a complex individual who contributed significantly to art history, producing nearly 900 paintings in just ten years.
Throughout the episode, Angela will explore the emotional depths of Van Gogh's work, examining how his personal experiences influenced his art. Viewers can expect to see a blend of historical reconstructions, immersive imagery, and insightful commentary, including an analysis from psychoanalyst Massimo Recalcati. Recalcati will help unpack Van Gogh's challenging relationship with his father and the impact of losing his younger brother, also named Vincent, on the artist's psyche.
Following the premiere, the series will continue with three more episodes, each focusing on different historical figures and cities. The next episode, airing on April 14, will take viewers to London, exploring its rich musical history through the lens of iconic artists such as David Bowie and Queen. Angela plans to highlight 12 historical locations, including the legendary Abbey Road Studios and Wembley Stadium.
The third episode on April 21 will transport audiences to Istanbul, a city steeped in history and cultural intersections between Europe and Asia. Finally, on April 28, the series will conclude this cycle with an episode dedicated to Lucrezia Borgia, a figure shrouded in controversy and intrigue from the Renaissance period.
Angela's approach to storytelling emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation in cultural dissemination. "The secret of effective communication lies in the ability to innovate constantly, never remaining static," he remarked. He believes that understanding history and culture is crucial, especially in challenging times, and aims to provide audiences with a "safe vessel" for navigating contemporary issues through knowledge.
As the new season of "Ulisse" unfolds, viewers can anticipate a captivating exploration of art, history, and the human experience, all through the lens of one of history's most enigmatic figures, Vincent van Gogh. With Angela at the helm, audiences are sure to gain new insights and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around them.
