BIOGRAphy
KASTANO
Giuseppe Castano was born in Messina in 1979 and uses the pseudonym “KASTANO” to sign his creations.
After graduating from high school, he spent a few years between the Netherlands and Milan. Thanks to the participation in seminars and workshops on the poor theater of Jerzy Grotowski, takes the decision to deepen his artistic studies by enrolling at the ‘Academy of Fine Arts of Reggio Calabria
During his academy years he founded with the painter FADIBÈ the Association Spazio Libero Officina Artistica, an informal group of young artists from Messina.
In 2003 he was selected to participate in Salerno at FRONTIERART, Biennale of Arts and Sciences of the Mediterranean and received a report from the critic chaired by the artist Hidetoshi Nagasawa.
In 2006 he discussed the thesis “Prima Memetica Teatrale” in depth on the studies of the ethologist Richard Dawkins and graduated with honors in the School of Scenography.
“His research investigates new forms of expression to find the perfect synthesis between light and matter.
The shapes created on the flat surface of his canvas and the metal leaves, find the complicity of light to reveal, archaic worlds all to be discovered.”
His creations are part of private collections throughout Europe and today he divides his time between the profession of advertising graphic designer and that of painter.
“The act of creation is a kind of ritual. The origins of art and human existence lie hidden in this mystery of creation. Human creativity reaffirms and mystifies the power of ’life.”
Keith Haring
Giuseppe Castano was born in Messina in 1979 and uses the pseudonym “KASTANO” to sign his creations.
After graduating from high school, he spent a few years between the Netherlands and Milan. Thanks to the participation in seminars and workshops on the poor theater of Jerzy Grotowski, takes the decision to deepen his artistic studies by enrolling at the ‘Academy of Fine Arts of Reggio Calabria.
During his academy years he founded with the painter FADIBÈ the Association Spazio Libero Officina Artistica, an informal group of young artists from Messina.
In 2003 he was selected to participate in Salerno at FRONTIERART, Biennale of Arts and Sciences of the Mediterranean and received a report from the critic chaired by the artist Hidetoshi Nagasawa.
In 2006 he discussed the thesis “Prima Memetica Teatrale” in depth on the studies of the ethologist Richard Dawkins and graduated with honors in the School of Scenography.
“His research investigates new forms of expression to find the perfect synthesis between light and matter. The shapes created on the flat surface of his canvas and the metal leaves, find the complicity of light to reveal, archaic worlds all to be discovered.”
His creations are part of private collections throughout Europe and today he divides his time between the profession of advertising graphic designer and that of painter.
visions
Alchemical Itinerary
Part of my creative research is focused on the study of the “Great Opera”. It is obtained through operations, better known as alchemical transmutations.
To obtain the philosopher’s stone matter passes through several stages known as Nigredo, Albedo and Rubedo, which on my canvases become visual metaphors of the initiatory path.
Neo-Rupestrian Art
Over 30,000 years ago, men began to represent the world around them by drawing and carving the rock of the caves in which they lived.
Using the evocative strength of the rock engravings, imaginary worlds, conflicts, loves and modern oppressions resume life with the primitive frankness of an archaic sign.
the obsession
Golden Touch
I’ve always been obsessed with gold and its characteristics. I started to use it in my creations already from the first years of academy. Like a new Midas King, I have gilded any object I hold in my hands.
Over the years, the metal leaves and the plays of light created by them have become a constant signature for my language.
visions
Alchemical Itinerary
Part of my creative research is focused on the study of the “Great Opera”. It is obtained through operations, better known as alchemical transmutations.
To obtain the philosopher’s stone matter passes through several stages known as Nigredo, Albedo and Rubedo, which on my canvases become visual metaphors of the initiatory path.
Neo-Rupestrian Art
Over 30,000 years ago, men began to represent the world around them by drawing and carving the rock of the caves in which they lived.
Using the evocative strength of the rock engravings, imaginary worlds, conflicts, loves and modern oppressions resume life with the primitive frankness of an archaic sign.
THE OBSESSION
Golden Touch
I’ve always been obsessed with gold and its characteristics. I started to use it in my creations already from the first years of academy. Like a new Midas King, I have gilded any object I hold in my hands.
Over the years, the metal leaves and the plays of light created by them have become a constant signature for my language.