In Zurich's art scene, one event stands out every year – a private celebration that brings together «half» of the Swiss art world in just 60 square meters; but by invitation only. Here is finews.art's look behind the scenes.

Peter Stohler (in German only), art historian and new museum director of the Kunstmuseum Thurgau (in German only) and the Ittinger Museum (in German only), and his partner Kiet Do Lai, invite you to an extraordinary event every year in their apartment on Röntgenstrasse in Zurich. This is how they celebrate the Chinese New Year (in German only). This year it's all about the dragon.

The gathering is much more than a social gathering: it is a platform where artists, gallery owners, museum professionals, art collectors, and journalists meet in a colorful mix.

Apartment as an Exhibition Space

The special feature of this event is the integration of an art exhibition by the Swiss artist Valentin Magaro in the apartment. Since 2013, he has been creating new works every year, especially for this occasion. Last year there was art on the motif of the rabbit, now it is the dragon – a symbol of luck, courage and innovation – and celebrated in Asia as the best sign of the zodiac ever.

«The idea was born twelve years ago, also in the Year of the Dragon. I came back from Vietnam and it was only there that I realized how important the New Year is for people. At the time, no one in Switzerland knew or celebrated it. In the first year, it was just an event. From 2013 onwards, Magaro has exhibited his new works of art with the zodiac sign of the year in our apartment every year,» says Stohler.

Networking and Enjoyment of Art


Valentin Magaro personally builds his works every year (Image: Kiet do Lai)  

For the New Year's celebration on February 10, 2024, Magaro has exclusively created 16 works of art and arranged them into a small exhibition in the apartment. In addition, other art from Stohler's private collection is on display. Guests can look at the works of art over a drink and fine appetizers, discuss, «network» and also buy Magaro's art. The price per work is 900 francs including the frame.

«For each exhibition, I have to deal intensively with the respective animal to find a solution in terms of form and content. It's very exciting and challenging every year – but the motif of the dragon was easy for me,» Magaro confirms.

Durability and Quality

Magaro's works usually give rise to discussion. The artist, born in Münsterlingen in 1972, has made a name for himself in the art world, not least through his drawing skills and his perseverance in the artistic quality of his works. This is also reflected in the stable prices and the growing demand for his works among museums and private art collectors.

The sharpness and precision of his «brushstrokes» – Magaro began his career as a scientific draughtsman – as well as the often courageous and provocative choice of his motifs, are considered his unmistakable unique selling point in the international art scene.

Masterful Storytelling and Technical Skill


Exhibition view painting, drawing, and object by Valentin Magaro, Diessenhofen, 2023 (Image: Andi Dietrich)

His works, currently on view in the comprehensive exhibition «The Bridge» exhibition «The Bridge» (in German only) at the museum «kunst+wissen» in Diessenhofen TG in dialogue with works by the artist Carl Roesch, provide an insight into his boundless imagination. His artistic oeuvre is characterized by a deep engagement with the human experience, often crossing boundaries to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually.

His ability to weave multi-layered themes such as eroticism, religion, and everyday scenes into a single work is a testament to his masterful storytelling and technical skill. In doing so, he does not shy away from using provocative elements – for example, the image of a naked nun on a pole dance pole – that are thought-provoking and challenge the viewer to question their ideas and beliefs.

Inspiration and Challenge

His exhibitions, such as the current one in Diessenhofen TG, are not only a show of his artistic achievements but also a platform for critical debate and intellectual exchange. For the Swiss art world, the Chinese New Year celebration at Peter Stohler and Kiet Do Lai is much more than just a festive occasion; it has become an institution for exchanging ideas about art and life in all its facets.

Although somewhat secret, Valentin Magaro, as one of the protagonists of this event, reinforces this message through his art, which is both challenging and inspiring. Once you've been invited, you'll want to be there again every year.