Ben Schonzeit

Contemporary artist

Ben Schonzeit is one of originators of the photorealist movement born out of the turbulent late 60’s and early 70’s, and his arresting, lyrical paintings can be found in the collections of prominent art institutions and galleries worldwide.  

While his photorealist work has brought him the most acclaim, the breadth and depth of Schonzeit’s canon cannot be easily categorized.  He is a self described polymath whose work can range from cubist to surrealist and back to photorealist again.

His artistic energies are rarely at rest. When he’s not painting a monumental photorealist canvas, or creating miniature watercolor masterpieces on the corners of blank envelopes, he’s fashioning sculptures from found objects that threaten to dance off the workbench on which they’ve assembled.

Photographed at the artist’s studio, Soho, NYC.
Photos © Kimberly M. Wang | Reproduction is not permitted.