1900-1929
Born
in Biala, Poland (1900). Emigrates to the United States (1913) with his
mother and younger sister, Janice Biala. Studies English at Columbia
University (BA 1923) with the intent to become a writer but after
experiencing the paintings by Cézanne and Matisse for the first time,
becomes determined to study art. In 1923 he began study at the National
Academy of Design with Ivan Olinsky followed by briefly studying with
Charles Hawthorne. That year he spent his first summer in Provincetown.
Returning to Provincetown (1924), studied with Ross Moffett and meets
Karl Knaths with whom he shares a love of Cézanne, and who introduced
him to the work of Kandinsky, Klee, and Miró. Studies at the Art
Student’s League (1925-26) with Guy Pène du Bois and Boardman Robinson.
Becomes a United States citizen (June 28, 1928) and exhibits with New England
Society of Contemporary Art and Provincetown Art Association. Works
with John Dos Passos at New Playwrights’ Theatre, New York. Begins
painting year round in Provincetown (1929). Exhibits Societe Anonyme,
New York.
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1930-1949
Travels to Europe, his first return since emigrating (1933). Begins psychoanalysis (1933). Participates in Treasury Department's Public Works of Art Project, New York (1934). Marries Rachel Wolodarsky (1935). First child Hermine born (1939). Works in easel division of WPA Federal Art Project (through 1941). Meets Willem de Kooning, their friendship continues through 1950s. First one-man show at ACA Gallery, New York (1940). Second daughter Helen born (1943). Makes automatic drawings in ink a dramatic departure from academic training (1944). During World War II briefly stops painting to work as draftsman; when he resumes, begins experimenting with abstraction based in academia–study of the figure and still lifes. One-man show at Charles Egan Gallery, New York (1947) and makes the decision to exhibit a series of still lifes instead of abstract work. Takes a studio adjoining Willem de Kooning's at 85 Fourth Avenue; the two artist's close association, discussion and exchange of ideas factor into both artist's development in the early 1950's leading to their mature Abstract Expressionist Style. Tworkov would maintain this studio until 1953. First one-man museum show at Baltimore Museum of Art. Teaches painting at American University, Washington, DC (1948-51). Becomes a founding member of legendary Eighth Street Club (1949).
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1950-1969
Participates
in the regular discussions and meetings of The Club. Writes historic
essay on Chaim Soutine for Art News, draws important comparisons
between Soutine and current Abstract Expressionist gesture painting
(1950). Teaches at Pratt Institute. Visiting artist Black Mountain
College (1952). His paintings tour eight European cities as part of the
1958 exhibition “The New American Painting” organized by Dorothy Miller
for the International Program of the Museum of Modern Art. Develops
mature Abstract Expressionist style; spontaneous flame-like
brushstrokes defined by grid. Exhibits “American Vanguard Art for
Paris,” organized by the Sidney Janis for Galerie de France exhibition
includes de Kooning, Gorky, Pollock and others (1962). Winner, Corcoran
Gold Medal, 28th Biennial Exhibition of American Painting, Corcoran
Gallery of Art, Washington, DC (1963). Elected Chairman of the Art
Department at the School of Art and Architecture at Yale University.
First retrospective exhibition organized by Whitney Museum of American
Art tours six major U.S. museums (1964). By late 1960s work moves away
from gesture and towards structure and geometry. Becomes Professor of
Painting, Emeritus, Yale University School of Art (1969).
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1970-1982
Continues
to teach around the country as visiting artist and exhibit work in
United States and Europe including exhibitions of recent work at
Whitney Museum (1971) and Guggenheim Museum (1982). Later works defined
by strong line, veiled color, and delicate brushwork that reveal the
artist at the height of his maturity. These are contemplative works
somehow tender, yet retain the underlying strength and structure so
characteristic of Tworkov. Received three Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts
Degrees. The Medal for Painting, Skowhegan School of Painting and
Sculpture (1974). Appointed Andrew Carnegie Visiting Professor of Art,
Cooper Union (1975). Distinguished Teaching of Art Award, College Art
Association of America (1976). Elected Member, American Academy and
Institute of Arts and Letters (1981). Remains active artistically,
intellectually, and professionally until the last months of his life.
Dies in Provincetown, MA (1982).
"In the course of his long life as a painter,
Jack Tworkov became an important figure in the maturation of abstract art in America."
-Richard Armstrong
Jack Tworkov: Paintings 1928-1982, Philadelphia Academy of Art, 1987
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