Date: Apr 07, 2009

Hofstra University Museum Presents “Tranquil Power: The Art of Perle Fine” and “Perle Fine and Friends: An Intimate Portrait by Maurice Berezov”

Dynamic Exhibitions Explore the Work of Long Island Abstract Expressionist Artist and Former Hofstra Faculty Member

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – The Hofstra University Museum presents an original retrospective exhibition “Tranquil Power: The Art of Perle Fine” curated for the Hofstra University Museum from April 7 through June 26, 2009 in the Hofstra University Museum’s Emily Lowe Gallery, Emily Lowe Hall, south campus. The exhibit explores the work of Perle Fine (1905-1988), a faculty member at Hofstra University from 1962 to1973, and one of the few women artists in the inner circle of the Abstract Expressionists. 

A companion exhibition, “Perle Fine and Friends: An Intimate Portrait by Maurice Berezov,” features a selection of historic photographs depicting Perle Fine, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, and others in Fine’s various artistic circles, taken by her husband,  photographer Maurice Berezov. This exhibit is on view from April 7 through June 26, 2009 in the Museum’s David Filderman Gallery, Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, 9th floor, South Campus.

Perle Fine’s works span 50 years, and include paintings, prints, drawings, and wood assemblages.  The exhibitions open a window into a fascinating period of American art of the latter half of the twentieth century.  Through the work of Perle Fine (1905-1988), a first generation abstract painter of the New York School, the trajectory of Abstract Expressionism can be traced from Cubist-inspired geometry and symbol systems to the full-fledged action painting that characterizes the style.

Susan W. Knowles, independent curator, created the exhibitions which are organized by the Hofstra University Museum and Perle Fine Retrospective, Inc.  A fully illustrated 52-page catalogue, Tranquil Power: The Art of Perle Fine with essays by Susan W. Knowles and Inge-Lise Eckmann Lane accompanies the exhibitions.

“These exhibitions reveal Perle Fine’s remarkable achievement as an artist and we are very pleased to be able to present a retrospective spanning her entire career to our viewing public.  The photographs by Maurice Berezov will give further insight into Perle Fine and the lives of many of the artists with which she associated,” said Hofstra University Museum Director Beth E. Levinthal. “Perle Fine’s connection to Hofstra University makes these exhibitions all the more significant for us.”

An all-day symposium, Perle Fine and Early Leaders of Abstract Expressionism offered by the Hofstra University Museum in collaboration with the Hofstra Cultural Center will be held in conjunction with these exhibitions on Friday, April 24, 2009.  The symposium will present new scholarship in three focused sessions: Women and Abstract Expressionism, From Europe to America: Hans Hofmann and his Legacy, and What is Abstract Expressionism? Critics, Dealers and Painters. There is a fee for this program, which will be followed by an Exhibition Reception at 6 p.m. in the Emily Lowe Gallery.

Additional public programs are planned including a free film screening of the documentary Hans Hofmann: Artist/Teacher, Teacher/Artist on Wednesday, April 8, 22 and May 6, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. in the Emily Lowe Gallery.  A motorcoach excursion to Long Island’s East End to visit the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, Ibram Lassaw’s Studio and the Green River Cemetery is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Hofstra University Museum and Perle Fine Retrospective, Inc. gratefully acknowledge the following exhibition and symposium sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Earl S. Swensson, A. E. Artworks, National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, The Judith Rothschild Foundation, Hofstra Cultural Center, Tom and Janis McCormick and Kanter Family Foundation, and The Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust.

For more information on these exhibits and associated public programs call (516) 463-5672 or visit the Hofstra University website at www.hofstra.edu/museum .

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