by Cody Hedges
It is often the possession of manifold talents which make a figure like Johann Goethe so fascinating. After his first literary success, he became a civil administrator; shortly after writing Faust, he wrote a psycho-scientific treatise on color theory; he reformed the state, nurtured friendships with gifted individuals, sketched and painted on a prolific scale, and wrote many plays and poems. He was, as it is said of some, a Renaissance Man.
And so it is said of the late Henry Koffler. Born on September 17th, 1922, Koffler immigrated to the United States from Vienna at age 17, being morally put off by the rising tide of European Fascism. He enrolled at the University of Arizona as an International Scholar, obtaining a degree in Agricultural Chemistry. He would go on to obtain two terminal degrees, a full professorship at the remarkable age of 29, and eventually, become the President of the University of Arizona from 1982 to 1991. Koffler was also a founding member of Academy Village, a thriving retirement community located in Vail.
He believed that retirement was merely a rhetorical period in one’s life. Demonstrating the principle, he remained active in university matters after his tenure as President, and produced an extensive body of artwork into his 90’s. “He was such a hard worker,” said Kathleen Kennedy, a close friend and art manager, “and his art just spilled out of the frame; there’s such vitality in it, even though it was composed by an older man. It still has such incredible life and brilliancy.” Using a Pro Sketchbook program on his tablet, Koffler created dozens of abstract pieces, which exhibit a sophisticated instinct for color coordination and structural rendition. Conceived like a scientist, executed like an artist, some pieces resemble the body of an organic cell, the particle trajectory of an atomic collision, even an ancient primordial sludge.
Either as an administrator, scientist, community planner, or artist, Henry Koffler will always be remembered as a great citizen of southern Arizona. Koffler’s art is available for viewing or purchase at www.henrykofflerart.com.
