Vladimir Kunz (1926 - 2002), Mediterranean Sea 14, 2000

Own technique, canvas, 81 x 100, signed p.d.: 'KUNZ'; on the back a sticker with a description of the work: 'WLODZIMIERZ KUNZ | MEDITERRANEAN SEA | 14'.

EXHIBITED:
- Włodzimierz Kunz. Mediterranean Sea. Painting Exhibition, Artemis Gallery, Cracow, October - November 2000.
LITERATURE:
- Włodzimierz Kunz. Mediterranean Sea. Painting Exhibition, Artemis Gallery, Cracow 2000, nlb

Studied at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow in 1948-54, where he defended his diploma in the atelier of Hanna Rudzka-Cybis. He worked at his alma mater as an educator from 1953 to 1996. He served as the university's rector in 1980-86 and 1993-96. In the mid-1950s he created lithographs representing a different trend from the official trend of realism, imbued with existential reflection, far from the postulated optimism. He was known mainly for his lithographic compositions combined with collage and drawing. In them he took up themes of travel, Mediterranean fascinations and nostalgia for the mythical past, in which he touched on both personal experiences and universal longings for common cultural roots. His works, combining a clear message with a sophisticated form, brought him many laurels at exhibitions and competitions.