Exhibition Information

(dis)content: Alyssa Cusimano
April 24 - May 13, 2023

Cusimano’s work consists of realistic renderings of moments in which young women overanalyze their appearance, and their perception of self consumes them. Addressing the effects of photo editing, filters, and plastic surgery, Cusimano reveals how digital and physical manipulation of the standard of beauty manifests into issues of self-esteem and a lack of confidence in young women. Alyssa states, “My goal with this body of work is to discuss an uncomfortable topic that many women sweep under the rug and deal with themselves. Hopefully, by showing this work, I can communicate that a majority of women have felt these emotions, providing them with a sense of relatability and comfort. After people experience this show, I hope that they can view posts on social media with a sharper lens, understanding that most of what you see is a false reality; therefore, comparison is not sensible and will ultimately be what lowers your self-esteem. Fake or not, one woman’s beauty is not your lack.”

About the Artist
Alyssa Cusimano is a first-generation college student from Rochester, New York. Throughout her career at SUNY Cortland her work has been featured in multiple productions of Student Select shows at Dowd Gallery, organized by the Art Exhibition Association; for which she also served as Vice President. In the 2022 Student Select show, Cusimano’s painting received the first-place prize. Cusimano additionally received the J. Catherine Gibian Award for Excellence in Art History in 2022, and also served as a Teaching Assistant for the Art in the Modern World course. In 2023, Cusimano received the Gerald N. DiGiusto Award for Excellence in Studio Art, as well as graduating in the top 5% of the senior class. She will be continuing her education at University at Buffalo, pursuing her Master of Fine Arts starting Fall 2023.

Artist's Talk: April 27, 2023
Introduction by Stephen Clark, Art & Art History Department