In Memoriam of Marc Schmitz

Image courtesy of Land Art Mongolia.

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Marc Schmitz.

Marc was a highly regarded member of the IBA, having been a part of our association since its establishment. We express our sincere appreciation for his valuable and distinct contributions to our expanding biennial network, which left an enduring influence on those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.

Please find below some words about Marc as shared by those who had the privilege of working closely with him at Land Art Mongolia.

Marc with his last conceptual work realised in Mongolia in 2023.
Image courtesy of Land Art Mongolia.

In Memoriam of Marc Schmitz (1963-2023)

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we bid farewell to an extraordinary artist and a wonderful human being who left us much too early on September 17, 2023. Marc Schmitz was born in Hamburg in 1963, and Berlin became the backdrop for much of his life. He was not only a gifted and interdisciplinary artist but also a passionate researcher and curator who profoundly impacted the world of contemporary art.

He embarked on his academic journey by studying philosophy at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich and continued his studies in philosophy and fine arts at the Free University of Berlin. Simultaneously, he delved into fine arts, particularly multimedia, and studied under Klaus vom Bruch at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. His hunger for knowledge and artistic development led him further to the Academy for New Media in Berlin.

Early in his career, Marc’s extraordinary curiosity and openness to other cultures became evident. After participating in the China Art Exposition International in Beijing in 1998, he increasingly focused on Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, China, and, notably, Mongolia. These travels and projects led to a profound exploration of cultural nuances and the diversity of our world. Joseph Beuys’ expanded concept of art and his idea of “Social Sculpture” had a profound influence on Marc’s artistic thinking.

Marc Schmitz “23 Degrees”, 2022, Stainless Steel, Gilted, 23 M High, Fürst Pückler Parc, Branitz.
Image courtesy of Land Art Mongolia.

Marc Schmitz received numerous international awards, including the first prize at the World Exposition EXPO 2000 in Hannover (Art for Expo), the Jury Prize at the 10th Cairo Biennale, and the Special Award at the Busan Biennale 2004. His works are represented in renowned collections such as the National Art Gallery Beijing, the Swatch Collection, the Peace Art Hotel Shanghai, and the W.S.I. New York.

Marc was both a talented artist and a visionary curator. He initiated and led projects such as “Signs Efficiency and Wonders Berlin Beijing Crossover 2000” and “Transitory Operations” in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. However, his most notable project was undoubtedly the Biennale Land Art Mongolia – LAM360°, which he co-founded with Dolgor Ser-Od in 2010 and continued to lead as Artistic Director until his last days. This event, along with the associated “Ulaanbaatar Art Weeks” and a residency program in Mongolia, attracted artists from around the world and contributed to not only regularly showcasing land art as an art form but also fostering discussions and the development of ideas.

He was not only a remarkable artist but also a warm-hearted individual who gladly shared his passion and knowledge with others. His positive aura, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to the Land Art Mongolia Biennale will be dearly missed.

In accordance with his Buddhist faith, Marc is now in another world. His passing leaves a painful void in the world of art and in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him: his family, friends, and fellow artists. However, his works and the diverse memories of his impact, ideas, and art will continue to live on, serving as a perpetual reminder of the importance of exploring and expanding the boundaries of art, but most importantly, of thought.

Those who wish to share their condolences with the bereaved may do so by contacting Uli Seitz at uli@landartmongolia.com.