Jack Tworkov (1900-1982) was an American abstract expressionist painter. Tworkov came into

his celebrated artistic style in the 1950s, and a majority of work from this time is characterized

by gestural brush strokes and vivid colors. The use of straight lines and geometric patterns is

commonly seen in his later work, beginning in the late 1960s. Along with being an artist,

Tworkov was an esteemed professor and taught at many universities during his lifetime,

including Black Mountain College, Columbia University, and Yale University.

During his time working for the Federal Art Project division of the Work Projects Administration,

Tworkov met Willem de Kooning. From 1948 to 1953, both artists shared an adjoined studio,

and their conversations often influenced Tworkov’s works greatly. The friendship between

Tworkov and de Kooning lasted long into their mature careers, as they were both instrumental to

The New York School and the 8th Street Club.

Untitled (Reclining Woman) (1955) encapsulates Tworkov’s connection to abstract figuration in

the 1950s, and thoroughly represents this period for him as an artist. The quick lines and

evocative pigments are almost complementary to de Kooning’s work, reminiscent of when they

were studio mates. His use of biomorphic shapes and lines guides the viewer, acting as a

directional force. Bright colors suggest an energy radiating off the figure, captivating the viewer.

Untitled (Reclining Woman) displays Tworkov’s artistic indulgence in loose forms and disorderly

emphasis, coming together as a monumental work on paper.

Selected Museum Collections:

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Blanton Museum of Art

Brooklyn Museum of Art

Modern Museum of Art

Storm King Art Center

Tate Modern

Whitney Museum of American Art

Selected Exhibitions/Retrospectives:

2016, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, Post Era: A Recent History; Homages to Jack

Tworkov and Claire Falkenstein

2015, The Butler Institute of American Art, Jack Tworkov: Paintings and Drawings

2011, Black Mountain College Museum + Art Center, Jack Tworkov: The Accident of Choice,

The Artist at Black Mountain College 1952