Hooks-Epstein Galleries presents Opening of Basia Hawicz: “Traditions Transformed”

Hooks-Epstein Galleries proudly presents “Traditions Transformed”, an exhibition of mixed media works by Houston-based artist, Basia Hawicz. The exhibition will open on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the Mini Gallery, with the Opening Reception taking place from 5:00-7:00 P.M.

In her work, Basia Hawicz delves into two established forms of traditional craft, aiming to redefine and elevate expectations. Hawicz recognizes the unique beauty possessed by the unadorned egg, which has long served as a canvas for artistic expression across various cultures. Her background includes a deep appreciation for the Slavic folk art of Pisanki, also known as egg artistry. She endeavors to transcend the traditional surface of the shell, infusing it with narratives and miniature dioramas. Each of Hawicz’s egg creations features a distinct cast of characters, themes, and emotions represented through texture, structure, and color.

In addition to egg artistry, Hawicz appreciates the magic of masks. Through this craft, she is able to personify unique individuals and personalities. With each composition, Hawicz contemplates shape, expression, and emotion, and she rearranges materials until a cohesive personality emerges. She often studies masks of indigenous cultures, as well as masks significant in pop culture, to learn the art of facial expression and costumery as part of her design process. Hawicz is driven to explore, manipulate, and advance the visuals in her experience.

Basia Hawicz earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas, majoring in Interior Design and Theatre Design. She practiced stage and costume design periodically during her formal career in Architecture, creating and managing design in children’s theater and exhibits for trade shows. Hawicz retired from Architecture in 2018 and plunged into her artistic ambitions of working with masks and costume—dreams inspired by theater. Her work has been shown in group exhibitions locally, including at the Galveston Art League (December 2024), Texas City Art Festival (March 2024), and Art Museum TX in Sugar Land (2022).

The exhibition will continue through February 15, 2025.