Josef Twirbutt was born in Lithuania. He graduated from the Gdansk Technical University in Poland receiving his Master of Architecture Degree in 1957. Lived and worked in Paris, France and in New York City from 1959 to 2012. In 1960 he started creating abstract wood structures in his own unique visual and conceptual vocabulary distinguished by its austere grace, and his consummate use of wood texture to achieve subtle variations within a highly disciplined formal context. Each of his compositions has a distinct feeling, a distilled essence of its own, but the dominant attitude reflected in all of them is one of intense, inner stillness and concentration.

He had his first solo art show at the Grand Central Moderns Gallery in 1965 and took part in numerous art shows in the United States, Spain, Monte Carlo, Italy, Belgium and Mexico. In 1969 his works were included in the US State Department traveling exhibition “Art for Embassies” throughout Europe and South America. Large scale installations have included murals at New York City Police Headquarters, the Boston Rehabilitation Center, the Kodak Computer Center in Rochester and IBM Office Products Division Headquarters in Franklin Lakes, NJ. He is represented in the collections of Mexico City Museum of Modern Art, Phoenix Art Museum, Andrew D. White Museum of Art, New York University Art Collection, US State Dept. Art Collection, The Kosciuszko Foundation Art Collection. Silver Medal (1970) and Gold Medal (1972) recipient of ... view more »

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Artist Statement

Please provide a brief description of your creative process, motivations, and inspirations:

Turning a scrap of wood that was destined to be buried or burned into challenging, unique and exciting objects of art is the language of my work. Wood offers an infinite array of grain, shape, color and texture that can be beautiful in its own right, providing boundless possibilities to explore and create. Amidst the chaos and rush of modern culture, nature is full of beauty and mystery, if only we can find a time, place and method to discover it.

I would like my work to spark a sense of connection with the natural world and those who view it.

PHOTOS

  • Panel12
  • Panel16
  • Recycling2
  • Posters

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