Richard Karwoski was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938 and died in1993 in New York. He studied with Richard Lindner at Pratt Institute, NY and in 1963 received a Masters of Art from Columbia University. He was a professor of Art at the New York City Technical College of City University.
Early paintings, drawings and collages (1950s-60's) are figural, expressing the angst and wonderment of human form and relationships, inspired by the German Expressionist Movement of the 1920's and 30's. "Contemporary man is beset by hang-ups, and this is the statement that I am making", he said.
Beginning in 1963, Karwoski had over 40 solo exhibitions and participated in over 500 group shows throughout the United States and Canada. He received innumerable awards, and authored the book "Watercolors Bright and Beautiful". His art has been the subject of articles and reviews in publications such as The New York Times, Woman's Wear Daily, Arts Magazine, American Artist, and Artspeak.
In 1970 he began his odyssey into shoes. His grandfather was a shoemaker and Karwoski incorporated his past with his present utilizing painting, works on paper, and assemblage to explore the very personal world of shoes. "The shoe represents freedom and mobility, and like a cave or womb there is no intrusion from the outside world"
In 1978 he moved to flower, fruit, market and bay watercolors, oils, collages and prints inspired by his home and studio surroundings in East Hampton, NY. His bold and beautiful use of watercolors inspired his book "Watercolors Bright and Beautiful" in 1988. Mixed perspectives, dramatic lighting and theme, bold colors, and an absence of gravity while combining believable objects with unnatural space made Mr. Karwoski's paintings alive with movement and vibrancy.
Examples of Museum Representation: Museum of Modern Art The Whitney Museum Newark Museum Detroit Institute of Art Portland Museum of Fine Art Pratt Institute The Salmagundi Club, NY The Library of Congress
