John D. Kurtz IV
John Kurtz has been painting for more than seven decades, bringing a lifetime of observation, imagination and daily artistic discipline to each of his works. His paintings – bold, colorful, sometimes provocative – are the product of both instinct and intention, often revisiting themes that evolve into thoughtful, layered collections over time.
John sold his first painting at the age of 16, and went on to study art at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, but his path as an artist took an unexpected turn when he was drafted during the Vietnam War. He served as a combat artist in the U.S. Army, documenting the intensity, complexity and human cost of conflict through his sketches and paintings. The experience left a lasting imprint, deepening his understanding of art as a powerful tool for observation and expression. After returning home, painting became more than a pursuit of recognition-it evolved into an outlet for his thoughts, questions and reflections on the world around him. By his early 20s, it was a daily practice that offered focus, intellectual challenge and unlimited creative expression.
After returning to civilian life, John turned his attention to another form of art: antique rugs. As a rug historian and dealer, he traveled the world learning the symbolism, craftsmanship, and traditions behind handwoven textiles. In the 1980s, he brought that knowledge to a wider audience as the host of the popular PBS series, Art Underfoot, which ran for 4 years on PBS and explored the artistry of rugs from around the globe. Building on that success, John went on to found New Moon, an award-winning luxury Tibetan rug company known for merging traditional craftsmanship with innovative design.
While John’s contributions to the rug industry are widely celebrated, his dedication to painting has never wavered. His work is a living archive of a life fully engaged—with the world, with beauty, and with the endless possibilities of color and form. Each piece invites the viewer into a dialogue, whether it’s playful, challenging, or contemplative.
Today, John continues to paint daily in his studio, exploring new themes and revisiting old ones with fresh eyes. His art is not only a reflection of his journey but a testament to the enduring power of creative practice over a lifetime.
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