Twilight: 21 works by James Howell
Exhibition Tour
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
1 - 2 PM
A tour led by
Silvia Benedetti, Independent Curator
New York Studio School
8 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Admission is free
Watch the tour on our YouTube channel.
The Hunter College Masters of Art History Organization and New York Studio School students attended a curator-led tour of Twilight: 21 Works by James Howell with Silvia Benedetti at the NYSS.
Silvia Benedetti is a Venezuelan New York-based independent art historian, curator, and writer. She is a recipient of the 2023 Andy Warhol Foundation and Creative Capital Arts Writers Grant. Benedetti's research focuses on critically reassessing and contextualizing the work of peripheral creators within a global context, as well as exploring the intersection of artistic and social practices. In 2023, she curated the exhibition Dadas las circunstancias at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center in the Lower East Side and co-curated Ways of Seeing with Lindsay Aveilhé at The Gardiner Gallery of Art at Oklahoma State University. She has held curatorial and research positions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Dia Art Foundation. Her writings have appeared in publications such as Hyperallergic, Artforum, and post: notes on art in a global context. Benedetti holds an MA in Art History and an Advanced Certificate in Curatorial Studies from Hunter College, and an undergraduate degree in Communications – Journalism from Universidad Monteávila in Caracas.
James Howell (1935-2014) was an American artist whose work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the country and internationally. His work is characterized by meticulous detail in exploring the gradations of light and shadow in color. Howell’s signature use of the color gray defined the last thirty years of his career, culminating in his Series 10. Inspired by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Howell’s work draws from natural phenomena. His highly mathematical and philosophical process extends his work beyond the boundaries of the canvas. The application of differential geometry and the teachings of the Tao Te Ching have been as integral to his process as color theory and brushwork techniques. Howell’s pieces are part of numerous private and public collections, and he has received several awards and honors for his fine art and architectural achievements. He described his work as “a continuous exploration of the interplay between light and shadow, form and void.” This exhibition reflects Howell’s quest to capture the ephemeral beauty of our world. The relationship between nature, math, philosophy, and art in Howell’s practice creates a unique viewing experience.
The James Howell Foundation, established by D. Joy Howell and the James Howell estate in 2017 and directed by Laura Bardier, aims to perpetuate Howell’s legacy and provide access to his archives. This is accomplished through publications, exhibitions, and artwork donations. The Foundation also supports art professionals and artists, especially those who embrace Howell’s interdisciplinary spirit. For instance, the organization collaborates with nonprofits to offer opportunities for students in curatorial and art historical programs. Moreover, grants and donations are awarded to institutions that align with the Foundation’s mission.
The New York Studio School is dedicated to advancing the practice of contemporary art through rigorous education and public programming. The school provides an environment where artists can develop their skills and explore new artistic territories, fostering a vibrant community of creators and thinkers. The gallery is free and open to the public seven days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm.
This exhibition is organized by the James Howell Foundation, Hunter College’s Masters of Art History Organization, and New York Studio School.