Solo Exhibition of Dietrich Schoenfelder
31 May to 13 June 2018
ArtistSpace
Ground Level Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 1224 Philippines
On May 31, 2018, ArtistSpace presents A SYMPHONY IN COLORS, the solo exhibition of visual artist Dietrich Schoenfelder. A Symphony in Colors reflects his deep appreciation for nature, and the people whose income and life depend on it. Colorful surroundings create an attractively balanced perspective and contribute a distinct character in his works. He views the sun as the mother of all life and the moon as its nightly replacement – which is evident in most of his paintings.
Dietrich Schoenfelder is a retired German living in the Philippines. His original desire was to become an architect or a painter. However, both his ‘dream jobs’ did not receive the blessings of his parents. They insisted that a secure job as a civil servant would be best. Consequently, the son obeyed and applied successfully at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His career of more than forty years of diplomatic service has allowed him to travel and work in many countries: USA, Middle East, Europe, and mainly Asia.
About the Artist
Dietrich Schoenfelder was born on December 17, 1944 in Dresden, Germany during the last months of World War II. After the Soviet Army occupied the eastern part of Germany, his parents decided to flee to the western part. They first settled in Frankfurt, later in Bonn – the future capital of the Federal Republic of Germany.
After his education, he had to join the military service, which at that time was a compulsory duty. During those times, he slowly developed his skills on painting and the desire to become either a painter or an architect. But his parents disagreed. He applied at the German Foreign Service instead. After a successful examination, he studied another three years at the Ministry’s Diplomatic School.
His first deployment followed soon after a final examination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Then, he was transferred to UN Mission in New York, USA. While in New York, he enrolled at The Art Students League of New York in order to improve his style of painting. Otherwise, he is a self-taught painter.
He was also deployed in Manila, Philippines as Head of Chancellery from 1993 to 1998; in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Kazakhstan, Albania, and Afghanistan. He retired at the age of 68.
Wherever he was stationed, and had the time, he painted either landscapes, motivated by nature, or people and their daily work. Several successful exhibitions encouraged him to continue with his artistic line even after retirement.
He now resides in the Philippines. He travels to and from Manila and Caliraya, Laguna.
A SYMPHONY IN COLORS will be on view at the ArtistSpace from 1 to 13 June 2018 with an Artist Reception on 31 May 2018 at 6:00 PM. ArtistSpace is located at the Ayala Museum Annex, Ground Level, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City. It is open from Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free.
