The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘Senior Portfolio (Virtual) Exhibition’
WCSU’s new online show celebrates works by 35 art majors
“As soon as we learned we would not be returning to campus this semester, we knew we had to find a way to spotlight our graduating students’ work online,” says Lori Robeau, visual arts assistant at WCSU’s Department of Art.
That’s what led to the 2020 “Senior Portfolio (Virtual) Exhibition” on the web page of the Visual and Performing Arts Center Gallery in Danbury. It includes the works of 35 Western Connecticut State University art majors, and features everything from graphic design and illustration to photography and painting
“We couldn’t let all they have overcome and achieved through the last four years end without a culminating exhibition and celebration of all their hard work,” Robeau says. “They earned and deserved that!” The exhibit can be viewed at bit.ly/3ccndZS , and will remain online through Aug. 31.
Several students whose works are in the show spoke about their creations via email. Among them was Nowshin Tabassum, who created a pop art poster, “Make It Happen.” She said she was inspired by Roy Lichtenstein’s “Crying Girl.”
“I wanted to juxtapose his theme with the woman who is trapped as a damsel in distress,” she said. “In my rendition, instead of her portrayed in a grieved perspective, I want her to be dominant and to show that she overcomes her obstacles by making it happen.”
The New Milford artist said “Make It Happen” is “a personal poster,” one she hopes will inspire her to overcome whatever challenges arise. She hopes people who view it will appreciate it, but also feel empowered.
Tabassum would love to be a package designer. “I enjoy advertising design on so many levels,” she said. Being able to create art while incorporating a 3D surface, and then holding the physical product in her hands, makes her feel accomplished.
Considering the pandemic made it impossible for WCSU to hold an in-person exhibit, she’s glad there’s a virtual one. However, she said, “Honestly, it’s somewhat disappointing. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, as I felt like I missed out on a lifetime experience.”
Still, she understands the decision. “I genuinely respect our department for creating this alternative and I appreciate the work that went into creating the virtual art gallery,” she said. “The art department at WCSU is my home away from home and I love every faculty member because they helped me grow.”
Daniela Pontaza, of Sandy Hook, is the photographer behind a striking photo titled, “The Mexican Identity Series #9,” which shows a woman selling dolls. She captured the digital image while walking in Oaxaca, Mexico.
“There were many street sellers ... but I remember being captivated by this woman’s gaze. There was something so honest in her eyes and ... the items she was selling were characteristic of Mexico’s indigenous culture. I wanted to capture the true portrayal of Mexican people. So, I knelt down and asked if I could photograph her for a project and when she agreed, asked her to describe to me what she was selling in order to get her genuine nature.
“It was this woman’s joy despite her economic situation that attracted me. Of more than 1,500 photographs taken, this photograph made it into the final 10 because to me it represented Mexico. I hope for this photograph to convey the message that Mexico is made up of hardworking people who, despite living with less economically, make up a beautiful, joyful country...”
Pontaza says her “dream job” would be “to continue using my art to help bring awareness about social issues in a positive way.” She believes artists hold power through their work. “By using our voice, we can accomplish things such as taking away erroneous stereotypes and spreading true racial equality. My dream job would be any artistic work that allows me to continue to do this, because ... this would mean I am using my art for something honest.”
Erik David-Lukas is the Danbury artist behind an eye-catching painting titled “Big Bird.” He created it for a course which explored different approaches to selfportraiture. “The iPhone camera I used for my reference image has the tendency to warp and distort images that are taken too close to their subject, which is partly where the semi-abstracted look to the painting originates from,” he said.
“...‘Big Bird’ was a nickname I received from a lacrosse team I briefly played with years ago; it was a short-lived nickname, but nevertheless it still left an imprint on me. When I reflect on the process of crafting this piece, I realize it was a tremendous step toward identifying a more positive perception of myself.”
The Art Department has awarded special recognition to Jessica Paternoster, of Mahopac, N.Y., as winner of this year’s exhibition poster design competition.
Portfolio selections from the following 2020 bachelor’s in visual art candidates are featured in the exhibition:
Graphic Design: Sara Cabrera, of Waterbury; Jonathan DeMarco, of Brookfield; Amaris Diaz, of Norwalk; Adrian Franzino, of Redding; Jose Garcia, of Norwalk; Munia Hossain, of Norwalk; Nicole Ilagan, of Norwalk; Marin Keefe, of Bridgewater; Matthew Landusky, of Middlebury; Rashonda Lee, of Danbury; Bianca Nguyen, of Danbury; Allison Novella, of Danbury; Alysan Pages, of Oakville; Daniel Paglialunga, of Fairfield; Jessica Paternoster; Angie Perez, of Naugatuck; Francis Serra, of Georgetown; Bhadrangi Songi, of Danbury; Nowshin Tabassum, of New Milford; and Alessandra Turano, of Chappaqua, N.Y.
Illustration: Janelle Chandler, of Southbury; Colleen Feenan, of Ridgefield; Mariam Haidar, of Woodbury; Paige Kissinger, of Wappinger Falls, New York; Ashton Sneed, of Bridgeport; and Kurt Vinci, of Newtown.
Photography: Jacalyn Doerwald, of Washington Depot; Steven Oyarvide, of Bridgeport; and Daniela Pontaza-Santander, of Sandy Hook.
Studio Arts/Painting: Erik DavidLukas, of Danbury; Alyssa Del Giorno, of New Fairfield; Eleftherios Farina, of Danbury; Hannah Lauth, of Naugatuck; Joseph LoStocco, of Danbury; and Ellie Moon, of Milford.