The Prolific Art of Johannes Kunst
"Johannes’ style evolved through the decades, though certain elements — including bold palettes, figurative abstractions and a keen sense of humor — remained constant. He worked for various design firms throughout his life and even founded a greeting card line. His personal work, however, was inspired by humanitarian issues, current events and his own life." .
"Johannes was driven by a sense of social purpose — both as an artist and a person".
“He was an environmentalist,” she continued. “He deeply cared for the people, and he was terrified about the world we’re living in right now. And he puts that all on paper, but with really nice, bright colors and very funny things in it as well”.
"The works of Johannes likens him to artists such as Joan Miró, Paul Klee, and Niki de Saint Phalle. And while some paintings touch on complex themes, they are “tempered by a sense of whimsy and imagination, drawing viewers into a fantastical world that is both visually captivating and intellectually engaging".
Johannes Kunst
1938-2017
Celebrating the Legacy of
Johannes Kunst
"A lifetime of color, imagination, and resilience"
Welcome to the world of Johannes Kunst (1938–2017) — a Dutch-born artist whose vibrant, symbolic artwork was shaped by one of the most defining events of the 20th century.
Johannes spent part of his childhood in hiding in the Netherlands during World War II, evading Nazi persecution with his brother in a secret attic space. While Anne Frank told her story through words in her renowned diary during WW II, Johannes told his through art — using color, line, and imagination to process his trauma and preserve his memories.
“The war affected my whole life... You live it every day.” — Johannes Kunst
That early experience left a permanent mark on his creative soul. Over the next six decades, Kunst poured his life into thousands of paintings and drawings — visual stories filled with emotion, whimsy, and a deep empathy for the human experience.
A Visual Storyteller Across Time and Place
After emigrating to the U.S. in 1958, Kunst's style evolved through influences from graphic design, European modernism, West Coast pop, and the raw landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. His work is known for bold, expressive color palettes, figurative abstraction, and a playful yet poignant spirit reminiscent of Joan Miró and Paul Klee.
He tackled everything from childhood memories and fantastical dreams to social justice and humanitarian concerns — always with a unique eye and a fearless creative voice.
A Rediscovered Legacy
Johannes Kunst never sought the spotlight — he painted for expression, not for fame. But now, his extraordinary body of work is being shared with the world, lovingly preserved and curated by his wife, Harmanna Kunst.
Just as Anne Frank’s words continue to resonate with generations, Kunst’s art offers a visual testament to survival, imagination, and the power of creative freedom.
"Johannes was a storyteller — but instead of a diary, he used paint, line, and color. His art speaks volumes without a single word."
— Harmanna Kunst
We invite you to explore his story and experience his art. Step into a world where memory meets imagination, and where every piece is a celebration of life, resilience, and the enduring power of creativity.