Gunther Gerzso

1915 - 2000

From 1935 to 1941 Gunther Gerzso labored as a designer for the Cleveland Playhouse in Ohio. He designed sets and costumes. During this key period Gerzso was a full time designer and part time painter. Works done in this period tell the story of the transition.

Gunther Gerzso was born on June 17, 1915 in Mexico DF. Gerzso’s Hungarian-born father, Oscar, had migrated to Mexico in the early 1890’s. His mother was a singer and pianist. In 1927, Gerzso’s parents sent him to Switzerland to live with his uncle who was an art collector, dealer and art historian. It was a key time. The only formal artistic education Gerzso would receive was during his time with his uncle. While living at his uncle’s estate, he met Italian stage designer Nando Tamberlani, who encouraged Gerzso to become a set designer. His stay in Switzerland ended because of the Great Depression. His uncle was forced to sell his estate; subsequently, Gunther was sent home to Mexico to finish up school.

In 1934, was introduced to another thespian; Fernando Wagner, an actor, producer and director worked on productions by authors such as Mòliere and Lope de Vega. During the same year he became acquainted with Arch Lauterer, a former set designer for the Cleveland Playhouse. The next year, Gunther moved to Cleveland and began his work as set designer and costume designer of the Playhouse at his friend’s recommendation. It was here that he met his wife and where he met Thomas Ireland. Mr. Ireland was both an actor and director for the Playhouse as well as a great admirer of young Gunther. Because Ireland saw great potential in his work, he encouraged Gerzso. As a result, Ireland was given, and saved, many drawings, paintings, watercolors and set designs that Gunther worked on throughout his five years at the playhouse.

Gerzso was also encouraged by his friend Bernard Pfriem, an art student, who gave him his first set of oils and advised him to dedicate himself to painting full- time. While he was unable to pursue his painting to that degree, Gerzso made excellent use of the gift by painting as often as possible while he labored at the Playhouse. The summers between playhouse seasons were spent painting in Mexico. Here Gerzso was introduced to Paris Surrealist painters including Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington and Roberto Matta who all lived and worked in Mexico DF. They all shared admiration for Picasso, Ernst, Klee, and Surrealist Painting. They frequented each other’s studios, gathering and sharing their ideas and thoughts.

Gerzso returned to Mexico DF in 1941 per the advice of his friends to become a “full-time” painter. He soon become involved in designing sets for Mexican, French and American Film companies, completing over 250 films in 20 years. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that Gerzso was able to make the transition for part-time painter to full-time. This however has not detracted from his proficiency as an artist, his insight as a human being, certainly not his creativity or his collectibility. Gerzso’s market is incredible lucrative and different from the other Latin American artists.

Gerzso lived in Mexico DF until his recent death on April 20, 2000. He is survived by his wife and two sons. He left an incredible body of work; it’s a legacy that assures him immortality of both mind and spirit, in defiance of the frailty of his human body and painter’s hands.
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