Marie Cofalka Portait of a Woman, Hair Up, Blues, Greens c1950s P2853

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 Poland and later ended up in Philadelphia PA, working as an artist.

She was 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.

She worked for a company called Graphic-Arts-Studio-Helmarcof in Philadelphia.

In 1974 she won a bronze award at The Artist’s Guild of Delaware Valley.

She created church art, on bulletin covers and programs, as well as several book covers. She was self taught and influenced by Picasso, Moore, Warner and others. The works we are offering all appear for have been painted in the 1940-1950s.

Cofalka died in Florida in 2004.