The Hofstra University Museum Presents Burton Silverman's Realist Paintings

Written by Bart Seymour Wednesday, 19 October 2011 00:30

Hempstead, NY.- The Hofstra University Museum is proud to present "Burton Silverman: The Humanist Spirit”, on view at the museum’s Emily Lowe Gallery through December 16th. This exhibition demonstrates the continuing power of the realist tradition in the 21st century, as the artist examines the commonalities of existence of everyman through his contemporary realist portraits. In his paintings Burton Silverman balances formal visual elements and realistic representation to capture the essence of his subjects. His primary subjects, ordinary working people, are elevated to a stature of dignity and importance in which they are rarely seen. The individuality of his sitter is evident in the painting, as is the universality of their life experience.

“The Museum is pleased to highlight the work of the acclaimed artist Burton Silverman. His powerful portraits convey the dignity inherent in the individuals he portrays,” said Executive Director of the Hofstra University Museum Beth E. Levinthal. “His work also brings an opportunity for strong connections to the multiple facets of the humanities such as dance, music and poetry which will be explored in public programs during the exhibition. The Museum gratefully acknowledges Astoria Federal Savings for their support in bringing this exhibition to the public.” An illustrated catalog, 'Burton Silverman: The Humanist Spirit' with an essay by art historian and University of Minnesota faculty member, Gabe Weisberg, accompanies the exhibit. The exhibit consists of over 25 oil paintings as well as sketchbooks with studies for some of the exhibited paintings.  The reception featured a performance of original interpretive dances by Hofstra University students under the direction of Adjunct Associate Professor of Drama and Dance, Dyane Harvey. .

The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately 4% of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition. Accreditation certifies that the Hofstra University Museum operates according to professional standards, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public. Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution of higher education where more than 12,000 full and part-time students choose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering, communication, education, health and human services, honors studies, a School of Law and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. The Hofstra University Museum is dedicated to furthering the understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts. It helps people make deep and long-lasting connections to individual works of art as well as the varied cultures from which they originate. Through its collections and exhibitions, its sculpture gardens and its interpretative programs, the Museum is committed to being a vital partner in the educational, pedagogical, and cultural life of Hofstra University students, faculty and staff, as well as residents of the greater New York metropolitan region. It strives to achieve this mission by adherence to the highest professional standards in the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of works of art. The Hofstra University Museum will continue to evolve as a vital cultural and educational center for Hofstra University, Long Island, and the New York metropolitan region. Dynamic and intellectually stimulating exhibitions and programs, along with opportunities to study the permanent collection, in an improved museum environment, will serve as the impetus for rich and varied explorations that enhance knowledge and the experience of art. The museum's collection contains approximately 5,000 works of art in varied media dating from the ancient to the contemporary, and includes American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries along with Asian, Oceanic, African and Pre-Columbian art. Visit the museum's website at ... http://www.hofstra.edu/museum

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