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David Michael Bowers: Humanity Unveiled
February 22 - May 24, 2009
Wall text from the exhibition
Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, David Bowers graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1979 and began working as a staff artist at various studios in the city. Two years later, he began teaching at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he lectured for ten years. In 1991, David began his illustration career working with book publishers in New York City for whom he completed over one hundred covers in a span of over ten years, including the cover of Time magazine in 2002. In 2004, Bowers gave up his successful illustration career to pursue a career in fine art. Now, instead of creating paintings based on a publisher's copy, he has the freedom to create his paintings solely from his imagination.
His realistic paintings have been described as a blend of Renaissance master and figural surrealist, with a touch of fantasy mixed in. Upon first glance Bowers' work seems to take you back to periods of painting long gone, while at the same time, the artist incorporates modern themes and ideas. There is always a message in his work and symbolism is a main ingredient. For him the idea is the most challenging and rewarding part of the painting. According to the artist:
Bowers' paintings are included in many private collections throughout the United States and Europe as well as the Museum of American Illustration in New York and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Solo exhibitions of David's work have been shown at Klaudia Marr Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Halcyon Gallery, London; Galerie 224, Laguna Beach, CA; and the James Gallery, Pittsburgh. His work has been published in International Artist Magazine (cover); Fantasy Art, China; and New Art International. The book, David Michael Bowers, The Evolution of an Artist, by Robert J. Trombetta was published in 2007. Bowers currently lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife Kimberlie, where he paints very slowly and methodically day in and day out.
(above: David Bowers, Paulina's Dream, 2008, Oil on masonite. Private Collection)
(above: David Bowers, Suburban Taboo, 2007, Oil on linen. Collection: Dr. and Mrs. Erik Mertens)
(above: David Bowers, The Cock Thief, 2008, Oil on linen. Private Collection)
Checklist from the exhibition
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