05/06/2026
Within our current exhibition "Figures and Faces," we are excited to present 8 works by the world-renowned artist Zeljko Kujundzik!
Born in Yugoslavia in October 1920, Zeljko lived an extraordinary life.
The artist spent his early years attaining a Masters Degree of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary, pursuing sculpture, painting and printmaking, before WWII. Stuck in occupied territory, Zeljko was captured by both Russians and N***s on different occations (in concentration camps), and narrowly escaped with his life more than once.
After WWII Zeljko emigrated to North America. Zeljko's art became award-winning, and it was exhibited in art shows including Italy’s Palazzo Medici-Ricardi, the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., and Kyoto National Museum in Japan.
In 1960, Zeljko moved to Nelson, BC, where he was hired as the principal of the newly formed Nelson's School of Fine Arts, and then in 1970, he moved again, becoming the head of the arts department at Pensylvania State University. Over the next 40 years he published an autobiography titled "Torn Canvas", invented a working solar kiln, created the Thunderbird sculptures at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium, and designed The Gate of Life (a 135 ton monument to the Pensylvania Jewish Community Center to remember those who died in the holocaust).
Zeljko then settled in Osoyoos, BC, where he lived a long life, and passed at the age of 82 in 2003. Zeljko is survived by his children and grandchildren, who remember him as an influential artist that made a great impact on the world.
The value of these works are irreplacible, and we are very lucky to have them for sale in the gallery. Come view and collect the works of this late artist now, as they will leave the gallery at the end of the Figures and Faces Exhibition.
