Luxembourg artist Jacques Schneider is launching his largest exhibition to date: a showcase of over 300 paintings spanning 20 years. It arrives at a historic moment, as the country will soon celebrate Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne.
Jacques Schneider recalls working on his first sketch of the Adolphe Bridge at the age of 6. It was a drawing that changed his life. “When I was a little boy, I was dyslexic and did my studies at a special school in France,” he explains. On the Monday after he drew his picture, “I came back to school with the drawing and I became not the star of the school, but ‘famous’. And I thought, okay, maybe drawing is my way to exchange with children at the school. And then I could imagine drawing all my life.”
This drive to capture the “spirit” of Luxembourg—everything from architectural highlights to the royal family, castles and forests, industry, even cows and the police force—never stopped.
Fulfilling a dream
Nearly two years ago, Schneider launched his permanent shop on 9, rue Louvigny, in Luxembourg City. It’s a visual celebration of Schneider’s distinctive use of colour and treatment of national themes, particularly the grand ducal family.
There are racks of apparel, with Schneider’s iconic images and phrases on T-shirts, sweatshirts, denim jackets, baby clothing. Above these are a trio of photos on plexiglass that Schneider took of the future grand-ducal couple, Guillaume and Stéphanie, treated in modern, vibrant jewel tones.
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There are shelves of crockery, with unique designs thanks to superimposed red lions, plus books showcasing his work, like his collaboration with Porsche Luxembourg, the “Porsche Lëtzebuerg Legacy”, which saw Schneider design a 911 GT3 with national symbols to mark the occasion of the dealer’s 75th anniversary in the grand duchy.
The shop, Schneider explains, is “my dream—it’s here—and it’s so exciting.” The artist describes the pleasant experience he has had with neighbouring businesses and shop visitors. And he wants it to be more than just a shop, but a place that fosters a sense of community.
On the day we meet in late-August, it’s clear he’s achieved that: the store is buzzing with activity, and Schneider nips out of our interview on occasion to greet a friend or visitor, advise on a gift, receive a heartfelt thank you from a local. During our chat, he shares a long list of ideas he has, ranging from artwork to collaboration concepts with potential future partners—with a diligence mixed with what seems to be a never-ending fountain of creative ideas, it’s no surprise that he completes around 800 projects per year.
“Lëtzebuerg Spirit”
Schneider speaks a lot about “positive vibes” and “art with heart”, saying he has been fortunate to be a part of the art scene in Luxembourg, which he calls a “magical country, like a fairytale”. Much of the spirit of Luxembourg he wants to celebrate—also in the upcoming “Lëtzebuerg Spirt” exhibition—are its people, composed of some180 nationalities.
Of course, the exhibition coincides with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne, the festivities of which will take place over 3-5 October. For Schneider, who has personally interacted with the grand-ducal family over the years, it’s an interesting time for the country. “The future Grand Duke is the son of the current one, and he has the same values and same energy,” Schneider says. “Of course, it’s a new generation, but it’s a new generation with the same values.” In 2022, he was named a “Knight of the Order of Civil and Military Merit Adolphe de Nassau” by Grand Duke Henri.
The “Lëtzebuerg Spirit” exhibition bridges heritage and contemporary culture, even in terms of its unique location at 32, rue Méckenheck in Berchem, a 1,000m2 contemporary space within a former rehabilitated farm. Free of entry, the exhibition runs from September 24 to December 20, accessible Wednesdays through Sundays from 2-6:30pm.
Timed with the exhibition is the launch of Schneider’s corresponding book, the cover of which has a heart and the word Merci, his way of saying thank you for the recognition he has received.
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