Gabriele Senn, the Austrian gallerist, has died. As well as representing the likes of locals Marko Lulic, Hans Weigand and Elfie Semotan, as well international names Kitty Krauss, Cosima von Bonin and Josephine Pryde, Senn was a powerhouse in promoting Vienna’s art scene as one of the organisers of the Vienna Gallery Weekend, cofounding the art fair Viennafair (now viennacontemporary) and serving as president of the Austrian Gallery Association.
Having studied painting under Oswald Oberhuber at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Senn opened Hoffmann & Senn in 1997 and her relationship to Von Bonin dates back to these early days, with the German artist one of the first to stage a show at the space. Three years later she brought Von Bonin with her to her new eponymous venture, opening premises on Schleifmühlgasse. ‘There were no opportunities for young artists in Vienna’, she recalled, and focussed on changing that. While championing her city, Senn was never afraid to be its critic: ‘There is a lack of private collectors who show a broad commitment. The museums also do not reflect the potential of the city’, she said. Her daughter Kathi Senn will continue to run the gallery.
