Myriam Ullens: Remembering a Major Collector and Patron of Chinese Contemporary Art

On Wednesday, the art world was deeply saddened by the news of Myriam Ullens' tragic death outside her home in Belgium. Myriam was a major collector and patron of Chinese contemporary art, having built an impressive collection with her husband Guy over the years.

Born in 1952 in Cologne, Germany, Myriam was a woman of great vision and passion. She established several successful enterprises before devoting her time to non-profit organizations, particularly those related to education and culture. In 1999, Myriam married Belgian businessman and collector Guy, and together they began collecting classical Chinese scroll paintings.

However, it wasn't long before they became particularly taken by rising Chinese contemporary artists, including Huang Yong Ping, Wang Jianwei, Fang Lijun, and Xu Zhen. By 2007, they had amassed a collection of over 2,000 works and founded the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing.

The Ullens Center was a groundbreaking institution, considered China's first contemporary art museum. It quickly became a major force in the Chinese art scene, hosting exhibitions and events that drew international attention. Myriam and Guy's passion for art, their belief in cultural exchange, and their commitment to helping others were all integral to the center's success.

Unfortunately, Ullens' relationship with Myriam's stepson Nicolas was fraught with tension over inheritance issues. According to reports, this dispute may have been the motive behind Myriam's shooting.

Nicolas turned himself into authorities on Thursday morning and is currently under investigation for the murder. The news has sent shockwaves through the art world, with many expressing condolences and paying tribute to Myriam's legacy.

In a statement, UCCA Director Philip Tinari praised Myriam's strength, style, creativity, and generosity, and emphasized that her vision and passion were at the core of the institution's history and values. He vowed to continue the work that she and Guy had started over a decade ago, ensuring that Myriam's legacy lives on.