More than 50 artworks by internationally renowned Chinese artist Li Yan Pin (1956-2007) have been unexpectedly rediscovered after years of storage in the basement of a Vienna city center property. The remarkable find has led to a comprehensive exhibition at the Kunst.Galerie.Waldviertel in Waidhofen an der Thaya, showcasing what experts describe as a significant artistic treasure.
The discovery occurred when businessman Viktor U. Ece purchased a property in Vienna's 1st district. Unbeknownst to him, the acquisition included not only the building itself but also a valuable collection of artworks that had been left forgotten in the basement for years. When Ece eventually brought the works to light, he was determined not to let them remain hidden from the world. Gallery owner Manuela Dumendzic emphasized the significance of the find, noting that "we're talking about a collection that has considerable market value today, but that's not the point. This is about a life's work that must be made visible."
Li Yan Pin's artistic journey was as extraordinary as the circumstances of his works' rediscovery. Born in China in 1956, he emigrated early to Tibet, where he worked as an art teacher before eventually settling in Austria. His painting style was characterized by Informel techniques, creating works that were both expressive and meditative, filled with tension between gesture and stillness. His artistic achievements gained international recognition, with his works finding their way into prestigious collections including the Albertina in Vienna and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where his piece "Abstraction Number 7" (1988) is part of the permanent collection.
The art market has also recognized Li Yan Pin's contributions to contemporary art. At the Dorotheum auction house in Vienna, his smaller format works have achieved prices ranging between 650 and 2,000 euros in recent years. The current exhibition features large-format pieces whose value significantly exceeds that of the smaller works. However, as Dumendzic points out, what truly distinguishes his paintings is not their monetary worth but their unmistakable artistic language – an art form that makes inner worlds visible to viewers.
The rediscovery sparked an intensive research journey for gallery owner Dumendzic, who conducted meticulous investigations to locate companions and friends of the deceased artist. One of the most significant contacts was Christoph Feichtinger, a close artistic colleague of Li Yan Pin. "I was completely surprised when I received the call," Feichtinger recalled. Shortly afterward, he traveled to the Waldviertel region and brought along collaborative works that he and Li Yan Pin had created together, which are now also featured in the exhibition.
The investigation revealed an unexpected connection to the Waldviertel region itself. Roman Baumgartner, a well-known writer who was born in the Waldviertel and maintained a close friendship with Li Yan Pin, provided intimate insights into the artist's personality beyond his canvas and ink work. "He was a sensitive person, vulnerable, but possessed an unbridled creative force," Baumgartner shared, offering a personal perspective on the artist's character.
The entire story reads like a screenplay, with its various elements coming together in an almost cinematic fashion: forgotten artworks in a Viennese basement, international recognition in New York, connections to the rural Waldviertel region, and the passion of a gallery owner determined to bring it all to light. This convergence of circumstances has resulted in the exhibition "Li Yan Pin – into the deep - Berührungen" (Touches), which opened on September 6, 2025, at the Kunst.Galerie.Waldviertel.
The comprehensive exhibition presents over 50 works spanning various media, including paintings, ink works, handmade paper (Büttenpapier), rice paper on Molino, complemented by rare collaborative pieces and literary voices from the artist's circle of friends and colleagues. For Dumendzic, the exhibition represents more than just a display of artworks. "For me, this is a matter of the heart," she explained. "It's not just an exhibition; it's a rediscovery. An invitation to encounter Li Yan Pin anew." The exhibition serves as both a tribute to the artist's legacy and an opportunity for the public to engage with works that might otherwise have remained hidden from view.
