Alissa Van Atta
Part of the gallery’s invited 2025 Collective, the gallery will be presenting Alissa’s work at LA Art Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, January 7-11, 2026
Alissa Van Atta creates mixed media paintings using acrylics, oil, cold wax and a variety of other materials and lives and works near Asheville, North Carolina. She was educated at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with concentrations in Painting and Art History. She has been awarded 1st Place for 2D in Crossroads Art Center November 2022 Juried All Media Exhibition (Richmond, Virginia) and is a winner for ArtExpo’s Award of Excellence in 2024. She has had over 18 solo and group exhibitions. She is a member of River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina.
Statement: Art courses through me, shaping my identity and guiding my journey. Starting out as an abstract painter, I spent a great deal of time learning about texture, color and composition. Reintroducing the figure weaves context and narrative, intertwining abstraction and figurative elements. Inspired by vintage ads, my paintings embody humor while boldly confronting women's rights regression and objectification.
Through my art, I illuminate pressing issues while remaining deeply connected to my experiences. Creative expression offers solace, healing, and a platform to challenge societal expectations and advocate for women's rights.
My exploration of paint delves into its emotional qualities, embracing its ability to evoke profound feelings. The raw, unfinished nature of my work authentically embraces imperfections, capturing the essence of the human experience. My intention is to immerse viewers in the layers, embracing surface imperfections and forging personal connections. I aim to enrich the viewer’s experience, inviting them on a transformative journey through my art. The vintage aspect offers context - has much changed for women since the midcentury given the recent setbacks to women’s rights? I explore what is femininity within this framework.
Edward Hopper's words resonate deeply: "If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint." They encapsulate art's transcendent power, surpassing verbal communication. My art initiates dialogue, provokes contemplation, and inspires reflection on societal norms, women's rights, and the extraordinary beauty of individuality.