Csoka, Stephen(1897-1989)

Born in Gardony, Hungary, Csoka—his name sometimes spelled as Csóka István—studied at the Budapest Royal Academy of Art (1922-27) before immigrating to the US in 1934 and then working his first seven years as a house painter. Gradually he gained recognition via awards at various exhibitions, including the Society of American Etchers, Library of Congress, Corcoran Gallery, and Art Institute of Chicago. Beginning in 1935 and continuing for fifty anniversaries he gave a painting to his wife, Margaret, about the “Marital Milestones” of that year. He taught at the National Academy of Design, Hunter College and the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 1962 Csoka published an instructional book entitled Pastel Painting. Get ahold of Endless is the Way Leading Home. 3 works at the Whitney Museum of American Art. 1 work at New York State Historical Society. 3 works at the Chrysler Museum of Art. 1 more image at FAP. His papers are at the Archives of American Art.

 

Works in the New Deal Collection at GVCA by Stephen Csoka:

Featured
Summer Bouquet
Summer Bouquet

We see a table with a satin table cloth covering it; on it there is a vase of flowers, all with bright warm colors--red, yellow, and orange. To the left of the vase is a single blue book while on the right there is a pile of brown books. In the foreground of the painting to the right of the vase is a bookcase with neatly filed bound books. In the foreground, on the right side of the vase, is a reflection of the scene in a mirror. The mirror seems to be resting on the table and through the mirror the viewer or the painting is able to see the other part of the room. This painting invokes a feeling of an appreciation for art as it has many books and paintings within the scene.

csokaGVCA