1950s Expressionist Portrait Oil Painting of a Woman with Her Hair Up in Blues and Greens by Marie Cofalka

Description

We find this modernist outsider's work to be very compelling, especially in her paintings of women, their matter of fact … more We find this modernist outsider's work to be very compelling, especially in her paintings of women, their matter of fact assessment, the absence of the male gaze is particularly felt. And we are fascinated by the maelstrom of paint on the back. A lot is going on under the surface with this artist.

Measures 16" x 12". Oil on board.

Marie Cofalka (1924-2004)

Cofalka was born 1924 Heidelberg Germany. The family relocated to Poland, likely during the war, she escaped from Poland and later ended up in Philadelphia PA, working as an artist.

She remained single. Some of her work has been stamped with an address of 1023 S Farragut St in Philadelphia, which was used as a studio during the day.

In 2003, she became ill with cancer and passed away on Dec 20, 2004. It is not clear why but in 2003, the city deemed her building to be abandoned. At that time, the REC took over her property and demolished her studio, destroying much of her art. They later sold the land.

One work that we have identified she did the cover art for is a book titled “A Joyful Harvest” which was a religious text. less