In the early years of the last century, a fresh breeze from Europe blew through the worlds of literature, art and music - a movement called "Modernism.” It was also the time of Wiener Werkstatte design in innovative furniture, colorful and original textiles, and astonishing interior decoration. Ilonka Karasz was part of this modern movement.
During the month of March, the Library will exhibit the work of this pioneering artist and designer who is probably best known for her 186 New Yorker magazine covers from 1925 to 1973. Less known, however, is that Karasz was one of a handful of pioneering artists and designers who worked to bring a modern aesthetic to the decorative and applied arts in this country in the early years of the 20th century. She worked in, and won renown in a wide variety of fields, including textile, furniture, ceramics, silver, wallpaper, graphic and interior design, as well as painting and printmaking. This exhibit will give an overview of her career.
Ilonka Karasz was the wife of Willem Nyland, the founder of the Chardavogne Group in Warwick, NY, and lived here in the last years of her life. Please join us for a reception honoring art pioneer Ilonka Karasz from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, with a talk on Karasz’s life and work by Paul Kane beginning at 1:30pm. Refreshments will be served.
To attend the discussion with Paul Kane, please register.