Information on Theo Schoon

Theo Schoon, a Dutch-born New Zealand artist, photographer, and carver, is a figure of significant intrigue and controversy in the realm of New Zealand art. Born in 1915 in Java, Indonesia, to Dutch parents, Schoon's journey in art began with his education at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts, followed by extensive travels in Europe. His life took a pivotal turn in 1939 when he, along with his parents, immigrated to New Zealand, a move that profoundly influenced his artistic trajectory.

Schoon's artistic philosophy was deeply impacted by the Bauhaus school, which advocated for the blurring of lines between art and craft. This ideology allowed him to explore a multitude of media, ranging from painting and carving to photography. His initial disapproval of the local art scene in New Zealand led him to form associations with artists like Rita Angus and Gordon Walters, among others, whose work he admired and influenced.

A pivotal aspect of Schoon's career was his engagement with Māori art and culture. From the mid-1940s, he embarked on an extensive study of early Māori rock drawings in Canterbury, and later, he shifted his focus to Māori designs in Tā moko, carved gourds and kowhaiwhai. His exploration of these cultural elements was both profound and, in retrospect, controversial. Despite his passion and deep involvement, Schoon's approach to Māori art and his claims of producing "authentic" Māori art have been critically debated for their appropriative nature.

Schoon's life was not just defined by his art but also by his personal identity. He was openly homosexual, a trait that was both part of his identity and influenced his artistic expression. Despite facing challenges due to his sexuality and health issues like emphysema, Schoon continued to create and influence the art world until his death in 1985 in Sydney.

Further information can be found at:

• en.wikipedia.org
• teara.govt.nz
• thespinoff.co.nz