London art show focuses on Van Gogh's Paris years An exhibition opening at London's Eykyn Maclean gallery on Thursday focuses on the critical years Vincent Van Gogh spent in the French capital. 'Van Gogh in Paris' examines the artist's work, and that of those who influenced him, between the years 1886 and 1888, when the sombre tones of Van Gogh's Dutch period gave way to the bright, expressive colours for which he is famous. Images and soundbites.