Aribert “Ari” Munzner, a renowned painter known for his vibrant interpretations of life through art, passed away on August 1, 2023, at the age of 95. He died of natural causes at his home, leaving behind a rich legacy that intertwined the realms of science, spirituality, and artistic expression.
Munzner’s work often explored the intersection of metaphysics and scientific concepts, manifesting in his iconic “Genesis” series, which celebrated the beauty of existence. His daughter, Tamara Munzner, noted that he was deeply interested in various mystical traditions, including Jewish Kabbalah, Sufi Islam, and aspects of Hinduism and Qigong. Throughout his career, he produced “galaxy-like” paintings that resonated with viewers on multiple levels.
Influential Educator and Mentor
For over 40 years, Munzner served as a professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), where he became a beloved mentor to countless students. His teaching philosophy emphasized the importance of understanding space, both physically and conceptually. Artist and educator Michal Sagar recalled how Munzner encouraged her to teach students about negative space, a reflection of his own artistic practice.
His impact extended beyond the classroom, as former student Leah Golberstein remembered him as a deeply engaging person. “If you were talking to Ari, whether you were in a restaurant or in a classroom, he was totally zoomed in on you,” she said. Munzner’s ability to connect with students and reinterpret their ideas into profound insights made him an inspiring figure in the art community.
Munzner’s artistic journey began under challenging circumstances. At the age of 7, his Jewish family fled Nazi Germany in 1937, eventually settling in Baghdad before relocating to New York City following the invasion by British forces in 1941. He earned his Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1955 and began teaching at MCAD that same year, where he served until 2005. Munzner was appointed chair of the Division of Fine Arts from 1969 to 1974 and later became dean of faculty.
A Resilient Spirit
In 2020, during the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd, Munzner faced a devastating loss when a fire damaged his studio in the Ivy Arts Building, destroying approximately 500 of his artworks. Despite this setback, he maintained a positive outlook. “I’m starting again because that’s what I’ve been doing all my life,” he told the *Star Tribune* at the time. With support from family and the community, he rebuilt his studio in the California Building in northeast Minneapolis.
His artwork is included in numerous prestigious collections, including the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and the Tweed Museum in Duluth, as well as the Zhejiang Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China. His final major work, a collaborative project with artists Jim Gregory and Remo Campopiano, resulted in a unique 12-seat round table located at the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District Welcome Center.
Munzner is survived by his daughters, Tamara Munzner of Vancouver, Canada, and Naomi Munzner of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Munzner, his brother, Peter, and his parents, Ralph and Bertha Schliferowitsch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aribert and Joan Munzner Scholarship Fund at MCAD. A celebration of Munzner’s life will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at Studio 118, California Building, located at 2205 California St. NE, Minneapolis.
Munzner’s contributions to the art world and his profound influence as an educator will be remembered by those who had the privilege to know him and experience his work.