About Us - Tribute to late founder

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

Dear Friends of Schoeni Art Gallery,

By now, most of you have heard of the tragic loss of our gallery's founder, Mr. Manfred Schoeni, who passed away on the 2nd of May 2004.

He has left behind his devoted staff, artists, family and friends, who will all miss him. His energy and vigour for life was contagious and one could not help but be charged by his charisma. He will live on in all of us.

HOW DID SCHOENI ART GALLERY BEGIN?

The beginning was in November 1991, when Manfred Schoeni traveled to Shanghai with Gerard Bregnard, a well-known Swiss artist. Having visited a local art fair, it was apparent to him that various art schools were exhibiting many different styles of painters from their academies without any system or representation. From there, the idea was born and research was done to see if there was a possibility of opening a gallery in Hong Kong; it had always been his dream.

After visiting various art academies and numerous artists in Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, a final list of 10 artists who Manfred Schoeni wanted to work with and represent, was completed. Discussions of exclusively representing these artists internationally took place. This was something that was unheard of at the time, and it took many discussions and a good deal of trust, before Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. was eventually set up. Finally, in 1992, Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. was founded in Hong Kong.

For the past 15 years, Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. has successfully represented and supported various artists from mainland China, whose work ranges from Neo-Realism to Post-Modernism. We have become very involved with the Chinese art scene on a global scale in order to expand the audience for  contemporary Chinese Art. We have taken part in more than 100 exhibitions, including Art Miami, Art Chicago, Art Hong Kong, Art Singapore and Art Basel. Others exhibition locations include Berlin, Basel, Brussels, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. In 1995, Schoeni Art Gallery also took part in the "CHINA!" museum exhibition in Bonn, Amsterdam, Berlin, Wien and Singapore and more recently in the "ChinArt" museum show, which featured in cities such as Duisburg, Rome, Budapest, Bydgoszcz in Poland and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

In February 2001, our new gallery extension on 27 Hollywood Road in Central, Hong Kong opened; we expand our territories into contemporary Asian and European paintings.

None of the above would have been possible if not for the passion and commitment of Manfred Schoeni. It was always his aim to promote art. On the one hand our gallery is fully committed to promoting our artists' work with the goal of educating the public on China's new art, making it more accessible to their audience. On the other hand, we are equally committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our artists. With over thirty publications to date, Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. has played an important role in introducing and documenting the works of contemporary Chinese artists.

A NEW BEGINNING

Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. is respected internationally for being a progressive, ever-changing force in the art world and it is firmly placed at the cutting-edge of contemporary Chinese and international artworks. Despite the loss of our leader, the Schoeni team (its staff and artists) is absolutely dedicated to progress and quality. As the current director and also as his daughter, I am continuing his work in the spirit of his passion and enthusiasm. Although nothing can replace my father, I am excited and positive about the future, something that he taught me to be. Art has always been my passion, and having grown up with my father's influence, I have always been comfortable and aware of the responsibilities and dedication required to work with artists and oversee the gallery.

Three weeks after the loss of my father, I went to Beijing for a three-day trip with the aim to reassure the artists of my intentions to step into my father's shoes. In those three days, I had many emotional meetings with our artists. The trip made me realise, that my father had profoundly touched many of these artists' lives and careers. This demonstration of support and respect from the artists towards my father and the gallery, gave me strength and determination to carry on his work. I came away from this trip feeling as if I had gained a new family.

We will continue to be the springboard for young and new artists in China, giving them the support and opportunity they need from a gallery to open new doors for them into the global art world. At the same time, we will continue to support and promote our exclusive artists.

In September (2004) we will hold an exhibition in commemoration of Manfred Schoeni's life and his contribution to the art world. It will be an exclusive gathering of over 30 leading Chinese artists who have all worked with my father in the past.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our loyal supporters, which includes friends, clients, artists, patrons of the arts and of course our staff.

Nicole Schoeni

June, 2004