Philip Denst (1940-2021) American, Abstract Modernist Oil on Masonite. Signed lower right. Approximate size written on back. 

Overall: 36 1/2 X 25 1/4 in. 

Sight: 34 3/4 X 23 1/4 in. 

#4023 . 

Philip Denst was born on November 7th, 1940 in Cook County, Illinois. His uncle, John Denst, was an artist who pioneered free-hanging contemporary designed murals and silk-screened designs on steel, copper, glass, and acrylic. Philip took art lessons from him as a youth, but chose to pursue a degree in business at the University of Chicago. He worked in public works for Cook County until the 1970s, when he took work for Alameda County in their Parks and Recreation department, moving permanently to the city of Hayward, California. He never married, but became connected with the local art scene and was a celebrity to many, championing events like Art in the Park in the 1990s. After retiring he decided to explore art once more, focusing on painting and sculpture. He became closely affiliated with the Adobe Gallery, presenting works in their A.R.T. exhibit in the 2000s before becoming their official inaugural Artist-in-Residence in 2018. He passed away on December 28th, 2021 in his home, leaving behind a brief but profound legacy of art that can be found in numerous California collections and galleries.