Matt Kahn (1928-2013) was a highly respected professor and a multifaceted artist whose career spanned several decades, significantly influencing the realms of fine art, design and academia. In 1949, at the age of 21, Kahn joined the Stanford University Art Department, where he would go on to teach for 60 years, providing an innovative curriculum in design, painting, and color theory. His interdisciplinary approach to art education emphasized the integration of various art forms and principles, fostering a holistic understanding of art among his students. This multifaceted mindset is ever-present in Kahn’s own unique artworks.

Matt Kahn was celebrated for this versatility and innovation. His body of work encompasses a wide range of mediums, including painting, graphic design, jewelry, and textile design. Kahn’s artistic style evolved over the years, reflecting his deep understanding of form, color, and composition. His works exhibit a unique blend of modernist values and a mastery of traditional craftsmanship.

“Through all of his work, Matt Kahn’s common theme is synthesis. Synthesis of structure and illusions, of idea and feeling of figurative and abstract. He has invented an art balanced perfectly on the edge between painting and design.” – Alfred Frankenstein, art critic of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Hidden Valley” is an outstanding example of the ingenuity and attention to detail that Kahn brings to painting. The web of intricate hand-painted line work, combined with his use of light and depth as the light green “valley” is tucked away leaving behind a mysterious glow that reaches up into the canvas. A rare piece, that can be appreciated in entirely different aspects depending on where the viewer stands.

It comes as no surprise, that throughout his career, Matt Kahn received numerous accolades for his artistic achievements and his contributions to art education. Beyond his own work, his legacy is preserved in the countless students he mentored, many of whom went on to become influential artists and designers in their own right.

Matt Kahn passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and influence the worlds of art and academia. His commitment to creativity, innovation, and education remains a guiding light for future generations of artists and educators.