Abstraction Show 2022 | Art Alliance Of Central PA

Juror, Zsuzsanna Nagy

Zsuzsanna Nagy is a Hungarian American artist currently residing in State College, PA. She received her MFA from Pennsylvania State University. Her work has been shown in group exhibitions across the US. Zsuzsanna currently teaches photography at PSU. She is the gallery manager and curator of PSU’s Woskob Family Gallery in downtown State College.

In her photo practice, she uses the camera to render the observable into an impressionistic and subjective reality. Her work explores notions of familiarity, belonging, and transience.

IG: @zzaphotoaday | zzphoto.myportfolio.com/work

Award Sponsor

Thank you to State College Framing Co. & Gallery for sponsoring the awards. State College Framing Co. & Gallery is a full-service custom frame shop serving individual clients, businesses, and artists for more than 25 years. They are located at in Hills Plaza South on South Atherton St.

Art Alliance members receive a 30% discount. Even if you don’t need to print or frame artwork, stop by to visit their gallery by local artists.

Show Winner

Melissa Forkner Lesher

Grey Matter

Juror’s Comments: Observing Grey Matter is a meditative experience. It invites the viewer to slow down, it exudes tranquility. Beautiful use of repetition and rhythm. Spreading out from a central point, it’s meticulously constructed. It calls me to get up close and observe the subtle details as well as to step back and take it in, in its quiet wholeness. At times I read the piece as delicate cellular membranes, as a living organism.

Awards

2nd Place

Waterfall, Joanne Landis

Juror’s Comments: The woman character depicted in the piece is just as confident as the artist’s brushstrokes. The painting tells a narrative in an emotionally resonant way. This evocative painting employs a striking color palette. The lone female figure radiates strength. In this world created by Joanne, women rule.

Twisted Sister by Linda Hale 1 of 2

Wood Fired Stoneware $150

Twisted Sister by Linda Hale 2 of 2

3rd Place

Twisted Sister, Linda Hale

Juror’s Comments: Linda’s sculpture is an expression of unmediated emotion. The relatively small physical form can hardly contain the raw energy, its voids and solids defy rules. The passionate piece emanates struggle, tension, and distress.

Honorable Mention

The Energy of Owl, Melinda Curley

Juror’s Comments: I was captivated by the energy of this exuberant painting. The piece is fluid, organic, and dynamic, as well as contemplative. It invites the viewer to enter an abundant, almost hypnotic world. Rich in texture, Melinda’s painting alludes to water, nature, and minerals.

Honorable Mention

Grid Piece, Joe Beddal

Juror’s Comments: The piece layers various textures and materials. I’m intrigued by the interplay of the different planes–the screen, the painted surface, and the non-physical layer of shadows created by the grid pattern. I commend Joe’s piece for its 3-D quality.

Honorable Mention

Untitled, Stacie Bird

Juror’s Comments: I am drawn to this photograph for its simplicity and subtlety. I applaud its wide tonal range. Behind the texture and layer of backlit raindrops, I notice the horizon. Stacie’s black and white photograph is mesmerizing, serene, and quiet.