Primitive artist of the 20th century.

Born in 1904 in Pilsen Czechoslovakia to a widowed mother. Koci grew up in poverty. Leaving Pilsen at 17 he was already too sophisticated about arts and literature, drama, and polished military brass. He sailed to America and then on to Texas where he stayed with Czech relatives and was a milking champion. Then on to Hollywood and the studios where he worked as a night guard and picked up painting. He was also a stunt man and appeared in several Charlie Chaplin films as an extra,  Later he joined the  Merchant Marines to spend some thirty years at sea. Living in San Francisco he began to paint seriously and gave himself Birthday parties where he would sell his paintings. He became a denizen of the North Beach art scene and began to exhibit. He remained relatively unknown except for a small coterie of collectors who hoarded his work. He died in 1983.

From the early 20th century, Koci painted and illustrated with large brush strokes and pastel colors. His themes include Authority Figures, Environmental, Faces, Folk, Groups, Illustration, Naked Ladies, Processions and Specters.

 Koci's most well known themes are Authority Figures, Folk scenes,  Naked Ladies and Specters.