About Vojen Wilhelm Cech-Colini

The painter Colini was born in 1924, in Kolin Czechoslovakia, now a part of the Czech Republic. During his high school years, after the end of WWI, the Surrealists were at the peak of their influence in Central Europe. As part of his monthly visit to Prague, the young man would view their works in the art galleries. He was so impressed it became his lifelong ambition to become a great painter.

As he matured, Colini became fascinated with Italian art of the Renaissance Era, and decided to paint only in Egg Tempera. He began to find ways to improve the Surrealists weaknesses by overlaying a Renaissance flavor. Thus was developed the unique style that is the trademark of Colini today.

When the Communists took over Central Europe after WWII, Colini lived in Switzerland and then France from which he was forced to leave for Venezuela because he had no papers. He became a citizen of Venezuela and then immigrated to Canada, where he had his first exhibition in Toronto. He later moved to the United States, living in the New York area for many years, returning to Europe each year to study art, and exhibit in Switzerland and Germany.

During this lifelong journey, Colini has been exposed to many cultures and languages, which is why his paintings contain such rich and varied symbolism. He brings to visual art, what Umberto Eco brings to literature. A wealth of knowledge tempered with a penchant for humor and irony.

Colini now calls Northeastern Pennsylvania his home, and at this writing, continues to paint and exhibit his fascinating works.