SonyaImmersive experiences are gaining much attention here in Toronto and globally. A chance to not only see the arts but to “feel” the work by some of the most important artists of all time and maybe even discover someone unfamiliar to you. The latest to arrive in Toronto is the Immersive Klimt experience by Lighthouse Immersive, the same production company that brought the wildly successful Immersive Van Gogh, Illusionarium, and Touch.
If you’ve visited the Immersive Van Gogh experience, you’ll know how this incredible production brings the artist’s work  to life thanks to digital art and high tech projections. Immersive Klimt continues with the concept in keeping with Gustav Klimt’s work, style, personality and influences.
Legendary artist Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was considered a rebel  in the art world. Born in Baumgarten (Austria), he was one of seven children. His family lived in poverty for most of his childhood. Showing early artist talent he was enrolled in the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts where he also was trained as an architectural painter.
His career was well respected. Earlier years he, along with his brother and friend, Franz Matsch, formed the “Company of Aritsts” and worked on commissioned work. Klimt painted interior murals and ceilings including a series called “Allegories and Emblems.”
Klimt was also one of the founding members of the Vienna Secession. The group’s goal was to provide opportunities for unconventional young artists’ works to be seen, publish their own magazine, and to bring foreign artists works to Vienna. But they didn’t adhere to any specific styles.
Then, as result of family financial responsibilities, tragedies began to affect his personal life and changed his artistic vision.
His own style was evolving and was considered radical for the time. He painted without inhibition or limitation. In 1894, he was commissioned to paint three paintings for the Great Hall in the University of Vienna. His three paintings, Philosophy, Medicine and Jurisprudence were overtly sexual and he was met with public outcry. As a result, the paintings were never displayed and it was the last commissioned work Klimt had accepted.
His most popular work came from his Golden Phase. During this period, Klimt works included the use of gold leaf. The Kiss (1908) and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (1907) became some of his most recognized work during this time.
Klimt was, and still is, considered a master in symbolism. His works often sends messages of pleasure, suffering, and sexuality. He was known to paint wearing only a caftan (liberating!) and sandals. He adored women both in life as well as subject matters.
All art is erotic.~ Gustav Klimt
As you experience Immersive Klimt masterfully created by digital artist Massimiliano Sicardi (Italy) in this 500,000 cubic feet of space, don’t be surprised to see sensual bodies in various positions and phallic  symbols as well as water lilies, electrifying colours and expressive shapes.
Set to a beautiful and sometime pulsating score, the audience is brought into the stunning world of Klimt’s work. From the streets of Imperial Vienna to the world of vibrant blooms, mermaids and intimate moments between lovers, it is a welcomed exploration that wakens and refreshes the soul.
The projected show runs for approximately 30 minutes but you are welcomed to stay as long as you like once inside. I would suggest to allocated an hour for viewing. BTW, be sure to look for the secret room.
The Immersive Klimt experience is happening at 1 Yonge Street at the Toronto Star Building’s former printing press space. It offers timed-ticket entry daily (purchase online). Proof of COVID vaccination and ID required. Social distancing circles on the floor help to guide protocols. Masks must be worn indoors — except for eating or drinking at the on-site cafe.
For more information and for tickets visit immersiveklimt.com
CONTEST!
Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets (admission for two) to experience Immersive Klimt in Toronto.
You have three (3) ways to enter!
- LIKE this post and leave a comment below and tell us your favourite Klimt painting.
- Go to the official AuburnLane Facebook page, LIKE the corresponding post and tag a friend you’d love bring with you to the Immersive Klimt Experience.
- Go to the official AuburnLane Instagram page, LIKE the corresponding post and tag a friend you’d love bring with you to the Immersive Klimt Experience.
Contest closes on October 31, 2021 at 12:00 noon pm EST.
*if you’re entering through our social media channels please make sure you’re following us so we can contact you if you’re a selected winner!
RULES:
No purchase necessary to enter. There is one (1) prize consisting of two regular admission tickets (valued at $45-$49 each depending on date/time) to the Immersive Klimt Experience in Toronto available to be won. Tickets must be redeemed during the run of engagement. Contest is open to Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in Ontario (19+). Enter as often you like. Winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries. Winner will receive an e-mail or direct message from our administrative team that will include information to claim the prize. The prize must be accepted as awarded. Prize DOES NOT include transportation to or from the designated venue. AuburnLane.com and affiliated partners have the right to discontinue this contest at any time. AuburnLane.com and affiliated partners will never ask for any payment information in order to enter or claim any prizing. In person event will also be adhering to local COVID19 health and safety protocols. Please check their site for up to date information.