December Issue 2001
Hampton III Gallery in Taylors, SC, Features Works by Leo Twiggs
Through Dec. 29,
Hampton III Gallery in Taylors, SC, is exhibiting new batik paintings
by Dr. Leo Twiggs of Orangeburg, SC. This is Twigg's fourth solo
exhibition at Hampton III Gallery.
Dr. Twiggs retired from teaching at the South Carolina State University
in Orangeburg in 1999 where he served as professor of art since
1964 and as chairman of the art department since 1987. He directed
the I.P. Stanback Museum/Planetarium from 1980-1999. Currently,
Twiggs is distinguished artist in residence at Claflin University
in Orangeburg.
"Things evolve; you don't just start something new. What
you do evolves out of what you have been doing," said Dr.
Twiggs speaking of his new works. Many of the new paintings reflect
the remnants of the Confederate Flag series that Twiggs
has been creating for the last five years. He revisited the image
from an earlier series that was created in the 1970's. Last
Flag, a faded flag in tones of white, black and gray will
be on display during this show. The flag's cross symbol has now
been reduced and transferred to newer paintings under the titles
of Silent Crossings. Other icons from previous series,
i.e., Mother and Child, We have Known Rivers, Blues at the
Beach, and Living in the Spirit, are also seen in the
new compositions.
"When I started doing the Confederate flags, they evolved into these silent crossings," said Dr. Twiggs, adding. "The cross, the St. Andrews Cross, they call it, is an interesting graphic image. If you take away the stars, take away everything else, it is a marker. It marks the spot. I grew up in St. Stephens, SC, and right in the middle of town there is a railroad track. The railroad has two crossings, one is located on one end of town and one on the other. Those crossings are like the St. Andrews Cross, and above it you have these lights. The signals are there when you go through the crossings. They might tell you that a crossings is coming. They might point you in another direction. Signs and signals help you negotiate. You can accept the signs or ignore them, but they are indicators that you have to make a decision."
"We all go through crossings. These crossings can be impediments that we all come in contact with. Maybe we don't even talk about them. They can be a cross we bare; we internalize and endure it silently. Life is a series of crossings; Death, being the final crossing," said Dr. Twiggs.
"Today America is facing one of its crossings. We are scared of war, anthrax, and all kinds of trepidations. We must face these fears; we must cross over."
For more information check our SC Commercial
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