Local library showcases NHP artist this fall

The Island Now

An exhibit by New Hyde Park artist Katherine Criss entitled, Surreal Encounters — In Paint & Pixels, is currently on display at the Shelter Rock Public Library until Oct. 29.

The library will host an artist talk and reception on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., in which Criss will talk about the work she created.

About the exhibit, Criss says, “You might ask, ‘What is a surreal encounter?’ It is an image of an everyday object that somehow appears to be something else. Icy snow and slush become a dog; a brick smiles; a window reflection leads to another world; broken windows take on comic shapes; a web dances or a piece of tattered rope caught on a wire fence appears to be a face.”

Criss is a fine art photographer who has more than sixty years professional experience in photography, painting and creating opportunities for artists to share their vision.

“As a working artist, (I) work to make an image that has a clear concept, that speaks to viewers without words,” she says.  “My art is the product of a conversation I am having with myself about something, as I work out thoughts and feelings on issues emerging while in the act of painting or taking photos.”

“The work you see here today was created with paint and pixels using the language of symbols to communicate a visual message,” Criss adds. “It is through surrealism that I can examine subconscious significances of imagery, and explore the effect of unexpected juxtapositions of subjects.  I experience surreal moments all the time, especially since 9/11, sometimes I even feel submerged in them.  All I have to do is look, and images will jump out at me.  Just look and see what you can find.”

A New York City native currently living in New Hyde Park, Criss was encouraged by her father, prominent American painter Francis Criss, to join a photography class taught by Bernice Abbott at the New School. 

Later, after completing a B.F.A. at the School of Visual Arts, she established a freelance photo business, and consulted on projects such as an exhibition of vintage photographs for the National Board of the YWCA. 

In 1992, she joined Professional Women Photographers and served as it president for seven years.  

Criss moved to Long Island in 2006 and joined the b. j. spoke gallery in Huntington, founding the ongoing Artist Circle group that meets there regularly. 

In 2016, she created a mural which can be seen in the town of Riverhead.

Criss has also served as a juror for the National League of American Pen Women, the Long Island Branch, the Port Washington Photo Club and the Art Guild.  

Her images are included in the collection of La Maison Euopeene de la Photographie, Paris

“My work is a meditation, whether I am creating a photographic image or a surreal urban painting,” Criss says.  “I use my art as a visual form of communication, and I am most inspired by irony in life, finding sorrow in beauty and joy in tragedy.”

The Shelter Rock Library is located at 165 Searingtown Road in Albertson.

Viewing hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

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