At The Art Galleries · The Miami News
Graphics Make Impression
Wednesday, December 20, 1967 · Page 3B
Transcription note: The text below was transcribed from the supplied clipping and proofread against the original image. Capitalization, titles, and wording have been preserved where possible.
Well-known and highly respected names in graphics are well represented in the show at the Gloria Luria Gallery on SW First St. through Dec. 30.
Not only are the names impressive, but among them are some exceptionally fine and rare prints. For instance, Chagall’s etching of Moses, in his biblical series; a never-before exhibited Dali, also some of his really attractive lithos, one or two ever-popular Moses and Raphael Soyer drawings (excellent), but to me, none can hold a candle to the exquisite dry brush on rice paper work, plus one pastel portrait by Ilona (Royce Smithkin).
Even though all her art is extremely delicate, it nevertheless seems to overshadow all else in the exhibit, for its beauty is incomparable, having some slight affinity to Mary Cassatt.
Ilona was born in Poland, studied in Germany and Belgium, and now has studios in New York and Massachusetts.
MY READERS will have observed there is no shortage of graphics in this area any more. Much of that which is coming into South Florida is from Philadelphia, considered one of the graphic capitals of the U.S.
Now at the new Gordon Craig Gallery, up on Decorator’s Row on NE 40th St. (through Jan. 6), are 61 or more framed woodcuts by Helen Siegl with 80 or 90 more in the browsing bins. Everyone has appeal for one or more who come to see the show. Helen Siegl, an Austrian by birth, is married to Theodor Siegl, conservator of paintings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Mrs. Siegl’s endearingly cute woodcuts have a pretty general appeal even to the most hardened bachelor or spinster, and of course, mothers won’t be able to resist them at all at prices ($4–$30) easy on the by-now depleted purses.
Mentioning just a few that appealed more than average . . . “The Birds and the Beasts were there,” “Ferris Wheel,” “Nacht Lied,” “Land of Make Believe,” “Green Eyes,” etc. All are based on or involve pixie children or strange beasts. Mostly in Black and White, though there is some color.
The accompanying image is captioned The Tiger Cat — At Gordon Craig Gallery.