BIO

Paul Gorka a is an accomplished artist whose work reflects his deep humanity, sharp intelligence, and profound appreciation of the human condition. His distinctive paintings and drawings have captivated audiences with their blend of realism and dreamlike symbolism, evoking powerful emotional and intellectual responses.

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Born in 1931 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Gorka’s passion for art was evident from a young age, despite growing up in a coal-mining town where art was considered an unlikely pursuit. His academic excellence led him to the University of Pennsylvania, followed by military service during the Korean War. A turn toward Army Intelligence provided rigorous training that ultimately deepened his desire to create, propelling him back into the art world.

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Gorka honed his craft at esteemed institutions, including the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York, earning prestigious awards like the Cresson Award and Scheidt Traveling Scholarship. His career evolved from illustration to a unique painting style he describes as "fantasy realism," merging the tangible with the surreal.

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Known for his vivid storytelling and meaningful content, Gorka eschews superficial trends, aiming instead to provoke thought and emotion in viewers. As he explains, “I want to do work that causes you to stop, look, puzzle, and muse.” His works, celebrated in retrospectives and private collections alike, stand as testaments to his dedication to art that lives and breathes through the eyes of its audience.