NPR's Book of the Day For the authors of ‘Reading Van Gogh,’ ‘Black in Blues,’ art opened a door to meaning
Aug 15, 2025
Elizabeth Barks Cox, author of 'Reading Van Gogh: An Amateur's Search for God,' shares her journey through Van Gogh's letters, revealing his profound empathy and the spiritual revelations they inspired. Imani Perry, a Harvard professor and author of 'Black in Blues,' dives into the significance of the color blue in African American culture, highlighting its emotional ties to history and identity. Together, they explore how art can unlock deep personal and cultural meanings, weaving beauty, struggle, and community into the narrative.
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Van Gogh As Personal Teacher
- Elizabeth Barks Cox describes falling "a little bit in love" with Van Gogh after reading his letters and seeing his compassion.
- She recounts his work among Belgian miners and how his letters opened a door for her own spiritual practice.
Compassion Amid Despair
- Van Gogh combined attention to suffering with an intense eye for beauty, which Cox found redeeming despite his flaws.
- That juxtaposition reframed him as a hero of compassion rather than merely a troubled genius.
Train Your Eyes With Prayer Walks
- Cox developed a practice of reading Van Gogh's letters and taking "prayer walks" to train her eye to experience color and compassion.
- Try reading evocative writing, then walk and practice seeing details as an exercise in attention and empathy.
