Final answer:
Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' uses swirling sky patterns and expressive brushstrokes to convey the artist's emotional turmoil. The contrast between the luminous heavens and the dark, subdued earth in the painting reflects van Gogh's psychological struggle during his time in the mental asylum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vincent van Gogh's 'Starry Night' is one of the most poignant artistic expressions of emotional and psychological tumult. Painted in 1889 during his stay at a mental asylum, the painting conveys a sense of turmoil through its vibrant elements of art. The swirling patterns across the sky, the luminous moon, and the glowing stars set against the darkened village below are indicative of van Gogh's inner state. Using swirling sky patterns and short brushstrokes, van Gogh applied thick pigments to create the composition's dramatic effect. His letters mention the longing to access the distant, 'inaccessible' spots of light, a metaphor perhaps for seeking solace or escape. The cypress trees, often associated with mourning, add a somber contrast to the animated heavens, further underlining the painting's emotional depth.