“Secret” by Alyssa Follansbee
“Interior,” a solo show by Alyssa Follansbee, will be exhibited from July 8 through Aug. 5, 2023 at Super Secret Projects, the speakeasy-style gallery hidden in the back of Hyperbole in Beacon.
From the artist: “This show is about traveling inward to find inspiration. I am at a phase in my life where I tend to be home a lot, either with my young children or working on my art. I’ve really valued the peace, privacy, and solitude, and this work draws on the beauty I have discovered in this interior life. Consisting of various self portraits, these paintings explore the profound connection between the intellectual pursuit of knowledge and the sanctuary of personal space.
“As a woman relatively confined to my domestic space the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time imagining those who have come before me- particularly women who have an urge to create art. The urge is not eclipsed by the relentless responsibilities. Instead, my imagination has shifted to fill and expand the space I inhibit. Intellectual pursuit does not need a passport, and seclusion has allowed me mental growth and stimulation in a way I would not have anticipated. What do we decide to share with the outside world? What do we keep just for ourselves, and why?
“All of the work here was created from photos of myself and my family in my actual home. These paintings serve as a visual metaphor for my interior life - my daydreams, my observations, my boundaries, my cycling thoughts. My tribute to the countless artist mothers of the past who never stopped creating and intellectually exploring.”
The opening reception will take place on July 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Super Secret Projects, 484 Main St. in Beacon. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays.