Self Portrait in New York Studio
Lithograph crayon on paper, c. 1935
BEN SOLOWEY (1900 - 1978)

BEDMINSTER, PA --- The Studio of Ben Solowey announces its fall exhibition, Ben Solowey in Black & White, a selection of artwork on paper that has never before been exhibited en masse. “This collection of drawings, paintings, and prints reveal Solowey’s remarkable draughtsmanship,” says David Leopold, Director of the Solowey Studio, “and shows how much he could coax from simple black and white. And, for Solowey admirers everywhere, this will be the first chance to see some of his fascinating black and white photography.”

Ben Solowey has received acclaim for decades as a master of color. His canvases, which hang in major museums and private collections, have been compared to symphonies of color, blending harmoniously to radiate a calm and luxurious world that soothes and pleases a viewer. Yet, he moved easily to producing stunning works in only black and white, while simultaneously painting his award winning canvases. “What these works reveal,” observes Leopold, “is that Solowey was a master of composition, scale, texture, and light. Pared to the essentials in these works, Solowey’s black and white pieces are as enchanting as anything he created in color.”

In this exhibition will be artwork from virtually every period of Solowey’s career including his student work at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in the 1920s, where he won awards for drawings in black and white; winter landscapes from the 1970s, a culmination of six decades of experience; life long drawings of his wife and primary model, Rae, beginning the year they met and married; and his celebrated “Theatre Portraits” of stage and film performers in the 1930s. “In addition, we have catalogued nearly 1,000 black and white photographs that Solowey shot and developed himself in the 1930s and 1940s,” explains Leopold. “Some of his photographs are obviously visual reference material for works on canvas, but others are unique pieces that show one more side of his multi-faceted talent. We have never exhibited his photography before, and I think more than one person will be quite impressed.”

There are works in this exhibition that show Ben Solowey’s easy versatility in a range of media, such as charcoal, pencil, and printmaking. Visiting Ben Solowey in Black & White, “there is the thrill of seeing these masterpieces where many were created,” adds Leopold, “ in Solowey’s spacious studio, which still maintains the atmosphere of the artist at work.” The inviting studio, and the beautiful property on which it sits, were created and landscaped by Solowey after he left New York in 1942.

“In honor of this show’s opening on October 8th the Solowey farmhouse will also be open to the public, “ says Leopold. “The two hundred-year old farmhouse was restored by Ben and is filled with museum quality furniture handcrafted by Ben Solowey. We only open the house twice a year, so this truly is a special event. Homemade refreshments will be served. On October 8th we are waiving our regular $5 admission fee.”

Hours through October 30th to Ben Solowey in Black & White are Saturdays and Sundays, 1 pm to 5 pm or by appointment. Regular admission is $5. The Studio of Ben Solowey is located at 3551 Olde Bedminster Road in Bedminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. For more information on Ben Solowey in Black & White or directions, contact The Studio of Ben Solowey at 215-795-0228.

See previous Ben Solowey exhibitions

Sign up for the Solowey Letter Just enter your email address