James Dowell: Portraits and Still Lifes opens at the Tyler Museum of Art on Thursday, May 15 and continues through Sunday, July 20, 2003.

A native Texan, James Dowell received his BFA from Southern Methodist University in 1972. He went on to the University of Iowa, where he received his MA and MFA degrees in 1973 and 1974. Since 1975 he has divided his time between Dallas and New York City. In recent months he has been featured in one-person exhibitions at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary and Valley House Gallery in Dallas.

This exhibition will feature still lifes and portraits dating from 1991 through 2002. Prominent among his still life works are gourds, fabrics, elk horns, exotic plants, and a variety of objects tinged with an element of mystery. Dowell's still lifes are sophisticated in their composition and technical expertise and feature deep, saturated colors. The objects he depicts also hint at hidden meanings and autobiographical narratives. The overall effect of Dowell's still lifes may be compared to the haunting works of the 17th century Spanish painter Juan Sanchez Cotán.

In contrast, his more recent works—the portraits—are bold, expressionist representations of individuals who have a special connection to the artist. Several Texans involved in the art world are portrayed in the group selected for this exhibition, and there is also a self-portrait of the artist.

A gallery brochure featuring an essay by art writer Charles Dee Mitchell will be available during the exhibition. A reception for the artist will be held at the Tyler Museum of Art on Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. There is a suggested voluntary admission charge of $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for seniors and children under 12 which helps support TMA exhibitions and programs.