Paul Kuntze

Paul Kuntze (b. 1995, Berlin) is a contemporary painter whose work reimagines the grandeur of classical ceiling frescoes through a modern, expressive lens. Entirely self-taught, Kuntze began painting in 2019 as a personal exploration that quickly evolved into a dedicated artistic practice. His fascination with the skyward gaze began in childhood—during visits to old churches, castles, and museums, he was drawn not to the walls, but to the ceilings. That sense of awe, wonder, and reverence continues to shape his creative vision.

Kuntze is best known for his Modern Fresco series, where he merges the narrative power of Baroque ceiling paintings with the energy and abstraction of contemporary expressionism. Rather than fully depicting mythological scenes, he suggests them—hints of faces, gestures, and clouds emerge from richly layered compositions, inviting the viewer’s imagination to complete the story.

Each work is the result of a meticulous, multi-stage process. He begins by preparing the surface with gesso and sanding, followed by a softly sprayed acrylic gradient that creates a luminous backdrop. From there, he builds layers of translucent clouds and finishes with bold, impasto brushstrokes to define key elements with drama and contrast. The result is a visual experience that feels both ancient and modern, ethereal yet grounded.

Influenced by artists such as Willem de Kooning, Cecily Brown, François Boucher, and Flora Yukhnovich, Kuntze blends reverence for the past with a bold, contemporary approach. His work does not offer a fixed narrative but instead becomes a space for contemplation—an invitation to “keep looking up,” both literally and metaphorically.

Kuntze has exhibited his work in Rome (When in Rome, 2022), Cologne (Discovery Art Fair, 2023), and other European venues, and continues to gain international recognition for his distinctive vision. His paintings speak to something timeless: the human impulse to seek meaning in the skies above, and the power of art to stir that sense of wonder.