Born in Brooklyn, New York, Paul Thek studied at the Art Students League of New York and the Pratt Institute. He gained early attention in the 1960s for his visceral, hyper-realistic sculptures that challenged the prevailing minimalist aesthetic of the era.

Thek is best known for his Technological Reliquaries, a series of glass-encased wax sculptures resembling human flesh and organs. His practice often incorporated ephemeral materials, reflecting a preoccupation with decay, spirituality, and the human condition. He spent significant periods working in Europe, where he developed complex, immersive installations that often utilized found objects and organic matter.

Following his death, Thek's influence has been re-evaluated through major retrospectives and inclusion in international museum collections. His work is currently held by institutions such as the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Centre Georges Pompidou, and the Kolumba Museum.