Aribert “Ari” Munzner, a renowned artist whose works celebrated the connection between science and metaphysics, passed away at his home on August 1, 2023, at the age of 95. Known for his vibrant “Genesis” paintings, Munzner’s art explored themes of life and spirituality, often depicted through abstract forms reminiscent of galaxies. His contributions to the art world and education spanned over four decades, primarily at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).
Born in Germany, Munzner fled the Nazi regime in 1937, eventually relocating his family to Baghdad, Iraq. He learned Arabic from a Lebanese Jesuit priest before moving to New York City following the British invasion of Iraq in 1941. Munzner earned his Master of Fine Arts from Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1955 and began teaching at MCAD that same year. He served as a professor until 1993, and later became dean of faculty and chair of the Division of Fine Arts.
Munzner’s artistic practice blended technical skill, scientific inquiry, and spiritual exploration. His daughter, Tamara Munzner, remarked on his fascination with mysticism across various religions, including Jewish Kabbalah and Sufi traditions. His long-time gallerist, Dolly Fiterman, described Munzner’s work as musical, revealing energies and transformations that spanned from the primordial to the infinite.
Throughout his career, Munzner remained dedicated to nurturing young artists. Colleague Ellen Meyer recalled his emphasis on understanding historical, virtual, and ambient realities, which encouraged students to think critically about their art in relation to contemporary issues. Former student and artist Michal Sagar noted that Munzner encouraged her to teach students about negative space, reflecting his own artistic philosophy.
Despite facing challenges, including a fire in May 2020 that damaged around 500 of his works, Munzner displayed remarkable resilience. After the incident, he set up a new studio at the California Building in northeast Minneapolis, stating, “I’m starting again because that’s what I’ve been doing all my life.”
Munzner’s influence extended beyond the classroom and into the community. His artistic works are included in several prestigious collections, such as 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 project was a collaborative round table installation at the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District Welcome Center.
Close friend and fellow artist Pier Marton remembered Munzner fondly, sharing a personal story of his arrival in America. Reflecting on their shared experiences as Jewish emigrants, Marton noted, “In April of 1939, we arrived in New York and saw the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. She came to the edge of the boat and took the umlaut out of my name. I miss my umlaut.”
Munzner is survived by his daughters, Tamara Munzner of Vancouver, Canada, and Naomi Munzner of Minneapolis. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan, 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 life will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at Studio 118 in the California Building, located at 2205 California St. NE, Minneapolis.
