Auctioneer Spotlight: Andries Schoeman and André Mostert

Many of our Park West collectors develop friendships with the art teams over the course of their land or sea vacations. Here’s a chance to get to know them more as our auctioneers share their favorite adventures in the art world.

Andries Schoeman and André Mostert both studied at the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. André majored in psychology and Andries in economics and strategy planning.  However, their paths did not cross until they began working together at Estate Vrede & Lust, a prominent South African wine estate.  During this time, Andries and André visited some of the 700 wine estates in the Cape Town area, many of which exhibited artworks for their patrons. Furthered by the rich culture of Cape Town’s many art galleries, their passion for art was ignited, which led to them to become international art dealers.

 

Previous ships as Auctioneer: Carnival (CCL) Victory, CCL Liberty, CCL Freedom, and Star Princess.

 

Current ship: Celebrity Silhouette

 

Where is your hometown?

Andries: Stellenberg, Cape Town, South Africa

Andre:  De Rust, South Africa

 

When did you start working as an international art dealer on cruise ships?

Andries: On one hot African summer evening we decided to make a lifestyle change. After being introduced to Park West by friends of André, Deon and Jeanne Van Der Merwe, who were onboard auctioneers, we decided it was the right fit for us.  We then began our career with the gallery in November of 2014.

 

What do you like most about being an auctioneer?

André: Taking to the stage and seeing guests’ eyes light up with interest for this strange and wonderful world of art. Being part of that breakthrough moment for first-time collectors is a fulfilling experience. And, of course, helping experienced collectors upgrade their existing collection also has its own charm.

 

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?

Andries: How can you choose between your mother and your father? I would say the top three I deeply enjoy are Yaacov Agam, Yuval Wolfson and Peter Max. Agam’s story and style speak for themselves, Wolfson has a tranquility that can be found within the chaos of line that speaks to my own life story. And Max taught me that true genius can at first glance look deceivingly simple.

 

What is your favorite client memory?

Andrés: We agree that our time spent with Dan and Karena was one of the highlights of our career. We were still associates when we met them, yet the memory of the interaction is still crystal clear. Dan’s maneuvers to secretly collect artworks Karena liked, unbeknownst to her, and that he gets her all her heart desires, was one of the sweetest moments of the cruise.

 

What is your favorite port or a travel tip for the readers?

Andries: We truly enjoyed our time spent in the Baltic, but the port that stood out the most was Barcelona. The vibrancy of elegant Europeans sipping wine before lunch and art galleries on every second corner definitely appealed to our retirement plans. Another highlight was a small French cafe, Petit Cafe, on the Dutch side of St. Maarten run by the owner, Coco. You never know what you are going to get and her passion for her fuss-free cafe is contagious.

 

Please tell us about your experience on being an auctioneer aboard the Silhouette.

Andries: The Silhouette definitely stands out when it comes to the overall modern design and variety of luxury teas you can enjoy on board, tea being crucial to the start of any good day at sea. We truly enjoyed the ports in Israel and learning more about the homeland of many of the Park West artists.

André: We also met fascinating collectors during recent VIP cruises and the collection on board is astounding. This has definitely set the Silhouette apart from many other ships we have worked aboard.