Karen Kassap

On My Mind: One Jewish Woman’s View

June 18 through August 18, 2019

Kassap has developed a unique mixed media collage style over a period of over 15 years, including layers of painted papers, printed papers, acrylic paint, acrylic gel medium and various found objects. “Collage is a very appealing form of expression because the many layers required to create the work are often completely invisible to the viewer, but their existence is a mystery that draws one in,” she said.

Kassap describes her work as “a personal expression of my identity as a woman, a mother, a wife and a Jew. I enjoy using metaphors and motifs in my work and many of them have personal significance to me. However, my hope is that they are universal keys through which the viewer can find his or her own interpretation, and discover his and her own truth.”

Although collage is Kassap’s primary artistic form, she also works in a variety of media including photography, clay and fiber. She has studied mixed-media collage with artist Debi Pendell for many years and photography at Barnard College, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and at the International Center for Photography in New York City. She has exhibited at the Creative Arts Workshop and at the Hamden Public Library.

An attorney with a degree from New England Law, Kassap volunteers with the Apostle Immigrant Services and works as a facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League Words to Action Program. She and her family are longtime BEKI members.