Lewis-Zazzaro presents ‘In a Land Called Ventura,’ March 1-22
Emily Lewis-Zazzaro will present her first solo art exhibition, “In A Land Called Ventura,” March 1-22, at The Art Studio, Inc.
Lewis-Zazzaro is a Lamar University alumni and administrative coordinator for the department of art & design. The exhibition features artworks inspired by real-world locations yet set on the fictional planet of Ventura. The landscapes, ranging in size from 18x24 inches to 30x40 inches, were created between 2021 and 2025.
Lewis-Zazzaro’s work draws from conceptual art, German Expressionism and Romanticism, with influences from artists Julie Bell, Caspar David Friedrich and concept artist Jorge Jacinto.
Romanticism is a major inspiration, particularly the idea of one being a small part of a grand universe. This theme is explored in video games produced by the Japanese company FromSoftware, Inc., which includes titles such as “Elden Ring,” “Dark Souls” and “Bloodborne.”
“They take so many components from Romanticism and execute them in a different medium and way, which is what I wanted to do with my pieces,” Lewis-Zazzaro said.
The piece “Stillness of Life,” features a scorched, dead forest with a single figurative tree — an emotional work developed after the loss of Lewis-Zazzaro’s father.
“Scorching” is a mixed media work, incorporating charcoal, pastel and even wood chips to add rich texture and depth.
Lewis-Zazzaro also includes digital techniques in her work, including digital painting photobashing, a process of integrating photos, textures and objects before painting over them.
While each piece contains personal meaning, Lewis-Zazzaro said she encourages viewers to interpret them freely.
“I want people to have an open mind when they come to this exhibition and play with their imagination to explore their own emotions — to the point (of) putting them onto the meaning of my works,” she said. “I have played a lot of D&D and had always liked the aspect of creating your own world where you can immerse in it and let out any ideas.”
Lewis-Zazzaro’s exhibition audiences to step into a world of imagination, where landscapes transform into narratives waiting to be explored.
The exhibition will be on view at The Art Studio, Inc. March 1-22, in the Maudee Carron Gallery. A free reception will be held, 7-10 p.m., March 1.
The Art Studio is located at 720 Franklin St.in downtown Beaumont. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
For more, visit artstudio.org.