By Dr. Jerry Simon MD
June 14 2026 | Art Review
This week we are looking at Zolina Adijah Simon’s interpretation of Starry Night, inspired by the celebrated work of Vincent van Gogh. At just 10 years old, Zolina has created a vibrant and imaginative water colour painting that demonstrates both creativity and a strong understanding of colour and composition.
The use of water colour on paper allows for fluid blending and soft transitions throughout the artwork. Rather than replicating Van Gogh’s thick, textured brushstrokes, Zolina employs a splatter and flicking technique to create a dense field of stars across the night sky. This approach gives the piece a contemporary, galaxy-inspired aesthetic.
Her work expands beyond the traditional blues and yellows commonly associated with Van Gogh’s original painting. Instead, Zolina introduces shades of pink, purple, teal, and white against a dramatic black background, resulting in a colourful and expressive interpretation of the night sky.
While Van Gogh’s Starry Night includes a village and landscape elements, Zolina’s version focuses almost entirely on the heavens. By removing earthly features, she directs the viewer’s attention to the vastness and wonder of the cosmos.
The contrast between bright white and light blue highlights against the dark background creates a strong sense of depth and luminosity. Variations in the size and texture of the paint droplets suggest differing distances and intensities among the stars, with larger blooms serving as visual focal points throughout the composition.
Although inspired by one of the world’s most famous paintings, the style and execution of this Starry Night are distinctly Zolina’s own. Her confident use of colour, texture, and imagination transforms a classic masterpiece into a fresh and youthful celebration of the beauty of the night sky.
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