Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Jack Tworkov Biography
Jack Tworkov, born Yakov Tworkovsky on August 15, 1900, in Biała Podlaska, Poland, was a seminal figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that revolutionized art in the mid-20th century. His journey from a small village on the border of Poland and the Russian Empire to becoming a founding member of the New York School of abstract expressionists is a testament to his enduring influence and the depth of his artistic exploration.
Tworkov's early life was marked by significant upheaval. In 1913, seeking a better life, his family emigrated to the United States, settling in New York. This move was not just a geographical shift but also a transformational period for Tworkov, who, along with his sister, assimilated into American culture, even changing his name from Yakov to Jack. Initially uninterested in painting, Tworkov pursued a degree in creative writing from Columbia University, graduating in 1923. However, his sister's encouragement led him to explore painting, sparking an interest that would define the rest of his life.
Tworkov's artistic journey began in earnest when he enrolled at the National Academy of Design and later at the Art Students League of New York. His early work was influenced by modern art movements and artists he encountered, including Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse. This period was crucial in shaping his understanding of color, space, and form. Tworkov's early paintings, characterized by still-lifes, portraits, and landscapes, demonstrated his grasp of avant-garde theories and his experimentation with spatiality and color theory.
The 1930s and 1940s were a period of exploration and experimentation for Tworkov. He was employed in the easel division of the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project, where he met influential artists like Willem de Kooning. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in Tworkov's career, as he began to move away from figurative work towards Abstract Expressionism. His style evolved to include gestural brushwork, creating atmospheric fields of color that became his signature in the 1950s.
Tworkov's mature style emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by diagonal strokes of paint that built up shimmering fields of color. Later, he introduced broad strokes and grid-like formats, culminating in works that combined irregular brushstrokes with geometric structures. This evolution reflected his ongoing exploration of the balance between gestural and geometric abstraction.
Throughout his career, Tworkov was deeply involved in the artistic community, teaching at several institutions, including Black Mountain College and Yale University, where he served as chairman of the art department from 1963 to 1969. His influence extended beyond his own work, as he mentored younger artists and contributed to the development of post-Abstract Expressionist art.
Tworkov's legacy is marked by his contributions to Abstract Expressionism and his role in shaping the New York School. His work was exhibited in prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. He received numerous awards and honors, reflecting his significant impact on American art.
Jack Tworkov passed away on September 4, 1982, in Provincetown, Massachusetts, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and influence artists. His exploration of abstraction, commitment to artistic innovation, and role as a mentor to younger artists cement his place as a pivotal figure in the history of modern art.
Jack Tworkov Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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