Date: Jan 03, 2007

"TWARDOWICZ & DODSON: ARTISTS IN PARALLEL"

Married Long Island Artists Reveal A Visually Compelling Retrospect of Their Work

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY - Stanley Twardowicz, close friend of author Jack Kerouac, and his wife Lillian Dodson, a member of the Fine Arts Department at Hofstra, will debut an evolution of their eye pleasing artistry beginning with works from the 1940s and tracing their artistic journeys into the 21st century. The exhibit will debut in the Emily Lowe Gallery of the Hofstra museum on February 6, 2007 and run through May 11, 2007.

Despite being married for 40 years both artists have established an artistic reputation that stands on its own. Even though most of their life experiences are intertwined, they have both been professors in the department of Fine Arts at Hofstra, each artist's body of work shows little resemblance to the other. These contrasts in works can also be attributed to the different artistic mediums they both choose to work in. Stanley Twardowicz chooses to display his artistic talent in painting and photography whereas his wife Lillian Dodson opts for sculpture in clay, wood and metal.

"This retrospective exhibition is the first to pair these two artists (husband and wife), giving equal attention to their individual artistry and careers," said Hofstra Museum Director Beth Levinthal. "This exhibit provides insights into the evolution of their style and approach."

Lillian Dodson is a major contributor to the arts as a potter, sculptor, painter, teacher, and fine arts craftsperson. She has earned a highly respected reputation as a distinguished and well respect artist. Her beginning works in stoneware including Sack of Ling Island Clams (1976) and After the Picnic (1980) as well as her most recent works, Bound Iron (2003) and Interaction (2006), will be on display.

Stanley Twardowicz is an acclaimed painter, photographer and teacher. He is an important figure in the history of the Beat Movement in America and is one of the last members of the Abstract Expressionist group that included Jackson Pollock among many other famous artists. His beginning works including Dresser (1944) and Man in Maine (1946) will be on display as well as some of his latter work such as #9/00 (2000). Mr. Twardowicz's exhibition history includes the Guggenheim Museum, The Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, amongst many others.

Although there are significant visual characteristics that differentiate their work from one another, Mr. Twardowicz and Ms. Dodson, have navigated their visions together. They might follow individual artistic paths but they still share a commonality of artistic purpose.

In their own words they have described the ways in which each has impacted the other. Stanley Twardowicz states, "Lil's work is strong, concrete in presence...it speaks loudly, stands tall. I'm moved by what she has to say. She makes me think." Lillian comments, "Stanley has taught me more than I could have dreamed of learning if I hadn't met him. Not in art so much, not in philosophy so much, not in sculpture or clay work - it's just in life alone. All of these things enter into your life from a person, and it becomes part of you. It's there - as sure as Stanley sits here."

The guest curator for this exhibit is Paul Kowalchuk who most recently worked with Stanley Twardowicz and Lillian Dodson on the publication of "Stashou and Yashou: Twardowicz and Kerouac - A Portfolio of Photographs and Artbook," relating to Stan's close friendship with Jack Kerouac.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students find their edge to succeed in more than 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence, cutting edge technology, extensive library resources, internships and special educational programs that appeal to their interests and abilities.

For more information on this exhibit and others call (516) 463-5672 or visit the Hofstra Museum website at: http://www.hofstra.edu/COM/Museum/museum_exhibition_twardowicz.cfm.

Related Link: Twardowicz & Dodson: Artists in Parallel