The opening attracted over 100 people from a cross-section of the community in Victoria and received television and press coverage. In his introduction, Franc D'Ambrosio, principal architect and founder of Dau Studio, described the purpose of this exhibition as a "vehicle to contribute to and help foster a sense of community among artists and creative people in our adopted City. By putting himself out there through his work, Schmitt is sharing his life-long passion and artistic production. His interest in, and love for, the phenomenon of colour, is his way to observe and celebrate through painting, where he has been, where he is, and what he observes. With this first solo exhibition in Canada, Schmitt is sharing his passion for his work and his belief in the life affirming power of art, as well as joining the conversation of the creative community of this City."

 

Writing in Preview Magazine, Robin Laurence describes the paintings in COLOUR MOVES: “Through his brushy and brilliantly hued abstractions on canvas, paper, wood and copper plate, Hermann Valentin Schmitt communicates his personal responses to music and the natural world.” 

 

The German art critic Baerbel Sanchez calls Schmitt the artist “who dances with colour.” His paintings can be viewed by appointment at his Victoria and/or Berlin studios.