Alyssa Szuran has loved art for as long as she can remember, from drawing to singing.
Now, as a professional visual artist, she has opened her first solo exhibit at the Syosset Library.
Szuran, a multidisciplinary Long Beach-based artist, said the exhibit features seven pieces that manifest her emotions.
“This exhibit, in particular, is comprised of more of my expressionist style work,” She said.
Szuran said she cannot remember a time when her interest in the arts drew her to drawing and painting. She said she’s fostered an interest in the arts since childhood, something that has grown with her since.
“I’ve always been an artist since I was a small child,” she said. “I was always into the arts in general: visual art, music, theater, everything.”
Szuran said that when it comes to the visual arts, she doesn’t limit herself to one avenue. Instead, she explores many different types of art.
“This particular exhibition is comprised of mostly paintings, but I really do everything. I love all forms of art,” Szuran said.
She said she enjoys depicting different subjects and techniques in her work. Although most of the pieces at the library are paintings, one mixed medium canvas is displayed: an oil pastel self-portrait on top of an oil paint background.
“I also love working in a variety of mediums and styles,” she said.
Szuran said her art has always been very personal to her and often depicts certain emotions or experiences. It wasn’t until recently that she began seeking to showcase her artwork in public exhibitions and galleries.
As a former art teacher, Szuran said that she hopes to pursue art as a career by participating in group shows.
She said she first started working with the Syosset Library in September when they had a multiculturalism art exhibit on display. Szuran, who is Japanese, American and the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, said the exhibit struck a chord with her.
“My multiculturalism is a big part of who I am,” she said. She said participating in the exhibit inspired her to create new artwork based on her own identity and introduced her to the Syosset community.
With two pieces in the showcase, Szuran said she met Pam Strudler, the programming and arts librarian. After the multiculturalism exhibit this fall, Szuran said Strudler approached her about doing her own showcase.
“It actually is the first time I’ve done a solo show,” Szuran said.
Szuran said that because the works on display are abstract, they leave room for interpretation.
“Each piece kind of has its own mood or vibe or meaning,” she said. “And for me, each piece has a particular meaning that wouldn’t necessarily be evident to the viewer.”
Szuran said most viewers are drawn to realism pieces, where they can easily identify a subject. She said she intentionally chose more abstract pieces so viewers can draw their own interpretations and emotions from the piece.
Although the subject matter might not be “obvious,” Szuran said each piece communicates a different mood depending on color, brushstroke and other elements.
“It’s just kind of expression in general,” she said.
In addition to the exhibit in Syosset, Szuran’s work will be on display at Babylon’s town hall throughout May to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The exhibit at the Syosset Library will run throughout the month of April and is on view now. To learn more about Szuran, find her on Instagram @artful_lotus.
