Collection of Modernist Abstract Art

These pieces for sale are from the artist Paul Zenian’s personal collection and represent the full expanse of his prolific career from the 1960’s through 2021.

Artist Paul Zenian, M.F.A.
Paul Zenian was born in New York City in 1935. He received a Bachelor’s degree in
Physics from the University of Michigan in 1957 then worked in research and
development for eight years before directing his attention to art. He studied art at the
School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts (currently the College for Creative
Studies) and Wayne State University. In 1968, he earned a Master of Fine Arts from the
University of Michigan. Zenian worked as a professional artist and faculty member at
Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan for over twenty-five years,
where he was a Professor. His structural monument “Gateless Gate” graces the
entrance to the college campus, where it represents the philosophy of an open door for
education, leading to a widened exit of horizon and opportunity. Zenian showed widely
during his career, participating in juried and invitational shows at galleries and museums
across the country. In 1973 he was part of an exhibition featuring Michigan Artists at the
Detroit Institute of Art.
Zenian was a true “colorist” who created representational and abstract paintings, often
using oil and acrylics. He also worked in other media including charcoal, pastels, and
pencil, as well as sculpture and printmaking. Many of Zenian’s paintings take inspiration
from the natural and spiritual world, while also illustrating his scientific mind and training.
They show a painter’s excellence and ease of technique. His deft use of color and
texture add to the vibrancy of his works. Whether bold or contemplative, his pieces are
evocative and unforgettable.
Paul said of his practice:
“All truly fine art, worthy of continuing respect and significance, has an abstract
quality that cannot be denied. For me, abstraction is thus the most direct means
of expressive objectification. To put it simply, it is presentation pre-eminent over
representation.”

This auction will be live for one week from Sunday May 11th through Sunday May 18th at 7pm.
All items can be picked up at Hanna Antiques (2424 7th ave s) during normal business hours the following week.