Tribute to the late Founder of Schoeni Art Gallery

THE END AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

Dear friends of Schoeni Art Gallery,

By now, most of you would 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 almost 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? AND IS THIS THE END?

The beginning had occurred in November 1991, when Manfred Schoeni had traveled to Shanghai with Gerard Bregnard, a well-known Swiss artist. Having visited a local art fair, it was apparent to him that the various art schools were exhibiting all 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 ambition.

After visiting various art academies and numerous artists in Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai, a final list of 10 artists of whom Manfred Schoeni wanted to work with and represent was completed. Discussions of exclusively representing these artists worldwide took place. This was something that was unheard of at the time. 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.

In the past 12 years, Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd. has successfully represented and supported various artists from mainland China, whose work range from Neo-Realism to Post-Modernism. We have vigorously taken part in the Chinese art scene on a global scale in order to expand the audiences for Chinese Art; taking part in more than 100 exhibitions, including Art Miami, Art Chicago, Art Hong Kong, Art Singapore and Art Basel. Others exhibitions' 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 has always been the founder's aim to promote the art. On the one hand our gallery is fully committed in promoting the artists' work with the goal of educating the public on China's new art, making it more accessible to their audience. And on the other, we are even more committed in ensuring the well being 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 oil paintings. This is not the end. Despite the loss of our leader, the Schoeni team (the staff and artists) is still very dedicated in keeping it this way. And as his daughter I will continue his work in his spirit and enthusiasm. Although nothing can replace my father and his demise was unjustified, I am still excited and positive about the future, something that he had taught me to be. Art has always been my passion too and having grown up with my father's influence, I am at home with the artists and in the gallery. Artists should always concentrate on their art than become their own agent, that is our job!

Three weeks after the loss of my father, I went to Beijing for a three day trip with the aim to comfort and ensure the artists of my intentions to step in my father's shoes. Within those three days I had many emotional meetings with many of our artists. The trip made me realise, that my father had indeed touched many of these artists' life. The show of support and respect of these artists towards my father and the gallery gave me extra strength and determination to carry on his good work. And I came away as if I had found a new big family.

We will continue to be the spring board 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 also mutually support and promote our exclusive artists.

In September we shall be holding an exhibition opening in commemoration of Manfred Schoeni's life and his contribution to the art world. It will be a star-studded gathering of over 30 leading Chinese artists, who have all worked with my father in the past. It is also a show of their appreciation.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our loyal supporters, which include friends, clients, artists, art lovers and of course the staff.

Nicole Schoeni
June 2004