By Sharon Rus
Special to the chronicle
Doug Hilson’s artwork reflects his choice of mediums – a perfect blend of the old and the new. The pictures have a science-fiction feel and they suggest an unearthliness. Even though the planes are flat, each piece seems to have dimensions outside what can be seen by the naked eye.
The brightness makes it feel like a video game, but the familiar representations of the New York City skyline ground it back in reality. Despite the futuristic colors, the images evoked in me a strange nostalgia for childhood. The mastery of detail and intricacies belie the innate playfulness in each piece of art in Hilson’s gallery.
Hilson taught fine arts at Hofstra University from 1986 to 2013. He showcased his work at the Hofstra University Museum in the Emily Lowe Gallery on Sept. 18.
The retired professor spoke to faculty, guests, alumni and students during the reception for the exhibition.
Hilson stated, “There is an overwhelming need to do something. An artist or a musician will find a reason to paint a picture or write a song because they need to. There’s a need to create.”
“Hilson is not only a gifted educator but also a brilliant artist,” Beth E. Levinthal, executive director of the museum, said.
“He has a unique voice. He creates compositions with incredible shape, texture and color that bring us to a different world. It’s likened to a ‘sci-fi.’ It’s a reflection of Hilson as an artist. In his 22 years of commuting to Hofstra, he has seen lots of urban landscapes that become embedded into his works. He creates a voice that permeates and radiates with life and takes us to a whole new world.”
Levinthal also spoke about Hilson’s “medium of choice [being] steeped in a strong history that goes back at least 40,000 years.”
The art of oil painting dates to the fifth century in Asia and Afghanistan, where natural oils were used in cave paintings. It was also used in many 15th century European pieces. Acrylic, a newer medium, lends itself to be mixed and married to other mediums, such as oils.
Hilson utilizes these mixed media in order to produce powerful pieces, which are dynamic and daring.
The amount of time taken depends on the amount of details and inspiration. Some take “years and others are only a month or so.”
“They’re my children – I can’t pick a favorite. But the one I like most is always the one I just finished,” Hilson said.
On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. there will be an Artist Talk with Hilson where he’ll speak in depth about his showcase, and Hofstra students are encouraged to attend. The gallery will remain open until Dec. 11.