Gérard Ernest Schneider biography

Gérard Ernest Schneider, born in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, in 1896, is a name that resonates deeply in the world of abstract artwork. Moving to Paris during World War I, Gérard Schneider immersed himself in the city's vibrant artistic environment, first attending the École des Arts Décoratifs and then the École des Beaux-Arts under the guidance of Fernand Cormon. From his earliest steps in artwork, he stood out for an innovative approach and a unique vision, which led him to become one of the pioneers of lyrical abstraction.
In 1920, Gérard Schneider organized his first solo exhibition at the Galleria Léopold Robert in Neuchâtel, marking the beginning of a brilliant career. His permanent move to France in 1922 solidified his connection with the Parisian avant-garde movement, participating in influential exhibitions such as the Salon d'Automne and the Surindépendants. These early exhibition experiences were crucial for the formation of his artistic style.
In the 1940s, Gérard Schneider began gaining international recognition, participating in the Venice Biennale in 1948 and obtaining French citizenship the same year. His artwork went through various phases, moving from surrealism to lyrical abstraction, a genre that defines his legacy. In 1946, he was an integral part of the first post-war exhibition of abstract artwork at the Galerie Denise René in Paris, where he presented pieces characterized by vivid colors, expressive brushstrokes, black lines and angular shapes.
His contribution to Lyrical Abstraction, a movement that transforms abstract language in the second half of the 20th century, is invaluable. Gérard Schneider explores this form of artwork alongside contemporaries such as Hans Hartung and Pierre Soulages. This artistic trend, which contrasts with geometric abstraction, is characterized by a gestural and personal expression. In 1950, his artworks are exhibited at the Galerie Louis Carré in Paris, marking a significant moment in his career.
A significant turning point comes in 1955, when Gérard Schneider signs an exclusive contract with the Kootz Gallery in New York, led by art dealer Samuel Kootz, a key figure in promoting Abstract Expressionism in the United States. This collaboration not only consolidates his success in the United States but also helps spread his artistic influence internationally.
Gérard Schneider's artworks are acquired by prestigious institutional collections worldwide, including the Museums of Modern Art in Brussels, Paris, New York, Milan, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, the Phillips Collection in Washington, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Kunsthaus in Zurich. His artwork is described as a visual orchestra, expressing passion, fury, and romanticism. Gérard Schneider argues that painting should be viewed as music is listened to, a parallel that reflects the emotional and dynamic nature of his work.
During the "light years" of his career, as described by Michel Ragon, Schneider develops a balance in forms that reflect each other, with an explosion of color characterizing his canvases. This period marks a maturation in his style, characterized by a nervous gesture and a volcanic composition, full of tension. His artwork is not only an aesthetic exploration but also an emotional and spiritual journey.
Eugène Ionesco, a contemporary of Schneider, admires the "original, eruptive richness" of his artwork, a tribute that reflects Schneider's lasting impact and influence in the art world. Until his death in 1986 in Paris, Gérard Schneider remains an icon in the field of abstract art, leaving a legacy that continues to influence artists and enthusiasts worldwide.