Pawel August Kontny (1923-2002) Innovative Colorado Artist at Saks Galleries

As a young man Kontny studied to be an architect.  In his vigorous cubist style he in fact felt he was building the buildings.

Moroccan Skyline
oil on canvas, 21.75 x 35.5 inches

Born in Poland in 1923, Pawel Kontny served in the army during WWII.  During this time he traveled throughout Russia, Hungary, Italy and Romania, gaining inspiration from the varied landscapes and architecture.

A Beautiful Street
oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches

Kontny's style evolved throughout his career.  After moving to Colorado in 1969, the artist began exploring the landscapes of the American West, finding great inspiration in the culture and architecture of the New Mexican Pueblos.

Grand Canyon
oil and marble dust, 20 x 24 inches

A unique feature of many of Kontny's works are his use of marble dust in combination with oil paint, creating a sculptural surface.  Kontny would create his own marble dust from high grade pieces of marble, allowing him the options of fine, medium or course grades.  He wanted his paintings to withstand the test of time, to last for a thousand years.  To that end he experimented with mixing marble dust and oil paints- even leaving canvases outside in the elements to determine the effect of wind and weather. 

Hopi Mishongovi Second Mesa
oil and marble dust, 30 x 40 inches

"Kontny is remembered as an important teacher in Denver Modernism, an energetic personality... and an undefeated ping pong player!"
-Mikkel Saks

These works are currently on view at Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek.  Kontny's work can be found in many private art collections and museums, including the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver, Colorado.  A forthcoming retrospective biography is being written by Stanley Cuba and is expected to be published soon.

For more information contact Saks Galleries at 303.333.4144 or info@saksgalleries.com.