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Dr. Twiggs Celebrated as Homecoming Exhibit Opens at Claflin - October 1, 2007 "A Claflin Homecoming: The Art of Leo Twiggs" opened at Claflin University's Arthur Rose Museum last week.
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Tisdale.   By Charlene D. Slaughter   Tucked between two of his paintings at the opening of an exhibit of his artwork at Claflin University’s Arthur Rose Museum, Dr. Leo Dr. Twiggs had inserted a quote from James Baldwin that read, “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which are hidden by the answers.”   In a reception Thursday to open the exhibit titled “A Claflin Homecoming: The Art of Leo Dr. Twiggs,” Dr. Twiggs said that quote has fueled the content of his paintings.   “Every artist must find his voice,” he said. “I tried to stay true to my heritage. You can’t paint about something you don’t know about. I tried to be me.”   Dr. Twiggs’ internationally renowned batiks will be on display at the Arthur Rose Museum through Nov. 19, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On his emotional opening night, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues, Dr. Twiggs reflected on his days learning art at Claflin, the first college in the state of South Carolina to have a formal art department.     “Coming home to Claflin is quite different from coming home to other places,” he said. “Claflin gives you a talent and when you go out, Claflin expects you to multiply that talent.   “I had art appreciation here,” he said pointing to one corner of the museum he designed. “I had sculpturing in the corner over there, ceramics there. I cleaned up this place. I was a part of this culture.”   Dr. Twiggs also reflected on his mentor, Arthur Rose.   “He was like a father to me,” he said. “He became like a brother. Working at South Carolina State University he was a colleague. Arthur Rose never made little Arthur Roses. His students made their own mark with what he gave you.” Dr. Henry N. Dr. Tisdale, Claflin University president, said the opening of the Dr. Twiggs exhibit was an exciting time for the Claflin Family and the surrounding community. Saying he was proud to be a part of the celebration, Dr. Tisdale explained his affection for Dr. Twiggs’ artwork.   “Dr. Twiggs and I started in the same place,” he said, mentioning St. Stephens near Kingstree, South Carolina. “We have the same heritage and the same culture and experiences. I guess that’s why I get such a feeling of understanding of his work and what they mean. We came from the same place.”   Dr. Tisdale said a lot of things build up to a homecoming, and Dr. Twiggs’ exhibit is no different. Dr. Twiggs orchestrated a special exhibit for Claflin’s 125th anniversary titled “Arthur Rose and his Students.”  Dr. Twiggs joined Claflin as a distinguished artist in residence in 1997. He designed the school’s logo and designed the interior of the Arthur Rose Museum. And his artistic contributions to Claflin are continuing.   “This is the exhibit of all exhibits, the show of all shows,” Dr. Tisdale said. “It’s a Claflin homecoming. He’s home. This is the great celebration.”   Dr. Twiggs explained that when painting batiks, an ancient Indonesian technique using wax and dye to color and pattern fabric, he doesn’t know what the finished product will look like until the wax comes off. Sometimes, he said, he’s afraid to see. So, over the years, his wife, Rosa, has placed newspaper over the paintings and ironed the wax off.   “She’s the reason we have this collection,” he said as he thanked her.   As the audience applauded, Dr. Twiggs said he has always tried to stay true to his heritage.   “I’m an African-American in the South,” he said. “The experience in the big house may be different from my experience in the little house. But my experience is just as important.”   For more information about the exhibit or to arrange a private tour, contact Herman Keith at the Arthur Rose Museum, 803-535-5324. A photo gallery of the opening and Dr. Twiggs’ work is available at www.claflin.edu.
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