This show encompasses paintings and assorted sketches by artist, Franz Jozef Ponstingl, a surrealist painter with the trompe l’oeil style.
In the spring of 2017, members of the Art Committee here at the John F. Peto Studio Museum traveled to the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, PA, to see the exhibition Rediscovering Ponstingl. The members were intrigued by the paintings and the unusual back story of this reclusive, extraordinary artist, Franz Josef Ponstingl (1927-2004). They were put in contact with John Munice of Lambertville, NJ, the owner of the collection on view, and plans were put in motion to bring Ponstingl to Island Heights. Committee members saw connections between John F. Peto and Franz Ponstingl: both were regional artists who were born in eastern Pennsylvania, both led somewhat secluded lives, and both were largely unrecognized in their own time. Peto lived most of his life in the 19th century and died in the early 20th; Ponstingl lived predominantly in the 20th century and died five years into the 21st. And, their initials are eerily similar: JFP and FJP. With the energy, enthusiasm, and assistance of John Munice, the John F. Peto Museum is able to exhibit over 20 paintings and additional sketches. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to him and the additional lenders of Ponstingl art for making this show possible. The John F. Peto Studio Museum is excited and proud to present: Unpacking the Future: Important Works by Franz Jozef Ponstingl.
EXHIBITION SPONSORS:
Eve Allison
Robert Bejarano
Peter Kellogg
Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders
Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission
Want to view the exhibition booklet online? Access to show publications come with a museum membership!