ZYG's EXPRESSIONS

The Rocky Neck Gallery's Summer Artist Series continues with "Zyg's Expression," watercolors and oils by the late Zygmond Jankowski.  The show opened Wednesday, July 20 and is on view until Tuesday, August 3rd.  This is a colorful display of his work featuring seven exquisite oils and seven expressive watercolors along with several unframed works also available for purchase. 

Jankowski opened a summer gallery on Rocky Neck in 1964 and moved to Gloucester permanently in the 1970s. He taught at various universities, art associations and at home in his studio. Ranging from abstract to more realist impressionistic and expressive oil paintings, water colors, and mixed media on paper, his works burst with color.

Today his paintings are included in major corporate, museum, and private collections throughout the country and in Europe, including the Cape Ann Museum and the Charles Demuth Museum in Pennsylvania. He has won numerous prizes in juried shows and in 2007 had a one-man show at the Cape Ann Museum. The Rockport Art Association honored his memory with a solo show in 2010.

Born in South Bend, Indiana in 1925, "Zyg" as he was known, had an uncle who fostered his artistic talent.  Zyg continued this interest while serving in the Navy and upon his release from duty he enrolled at the California College of Arts and Crafts.  There he was taught by Victor DeWilde, George Post and Otis Oldfield.

Throughout his career Jankowski painted various interpretations of certain themes, each time emphasizing a different element, such as rhythm, space, shape, and color. "You stand as referee between the scene, your emotion and analysis. Your goal is to experience a feeling of excitement for the first stroke to the last." He also said of his work, "These are paintings, NOT pictures. Cameras take pictures."

Zyg was a prolific painter and could be found with a paintbrush in his hand at any time of day. Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and of course Gloucester inspired his work in painting seascapes, harbor scenes to landscapes. Other themes he continously revisited throughtout his career include: Erotica works, Portraits, Florals, Jazz images and Still Life. For more information about Zyg and his work please contact Myra Hall at myraehall@gmail.com.

Special thanks to Myra Hall for providing the text for this posting.