BIOGRAphy
KASTANO
Giuseppe Castano, known by his artistic pseudonym “KASTANO,” is a contemporary artist from Sicily whose work is deeply inspired by the archaic atmospheres of the Iblean Plateau.
Born in 1979, KASTANO’s artistic journey began after high school, during formative years spent between the Netherlands and Milan. Influenced by seminars and workshops on Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre, he decided to pursue formal artistic studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Reggio Calabria.
During his time at the academy, he co-founded Spazio Libero Officina Artistica with an informal collective of artists from Messina. His talent was recognized in 2003 when he was selected to participate in FRONTIERART, the Biennale of Arts and Sciences of the Mediterranean in Salerno, where he received acclaim from a jury chaired by the renowned artist Hidetoshi Nagasawa. In 2006, he graduated with honors in Scenography after presenting his thesis, Prima Memetica Teatrale, an in-depth exploration of Richard Dawkins’ memetics theory.
KASTANO’s artistic research focuses on creating a unique synthesis between light and matter. By combining traditional materials like canvas and metal leaf with contemporary digital formats such as NFTs and video art, his work bridges ancient and modern worlds. His creations reinterpret the raw beauty of rock art, unveiling hidden, archaic landscapes through the interplay of light and form.
Today, KASTANO’s artwork is part of private collections across Europe. Based in Modica, Sicily, he dedicates his career primarily to teaching while continuing his artistic practice. His pieces explore profound themes such as human fragility and natural beauty, merging traditional techniques with modern innovations to create a continuous dialogue between past and present.
“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, known by his artistic pseudonym “KASTANO,” is a contemporary artist from Sicily whose work is deeply inspired by the archaic atmospheres of the Iblean Plateau.
Born in 1979, KASTANO’s artistic journey began after high school, during formative years spent between the Netherlands and Milan. Influenced by seminars and workshops on Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre, he decided to pursue formal artistic studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Reggio Calabria.
During his time at the academy, he co-founded Spazio Libero Officina Artistica with an collective of artists from Messina. His talent was recognized in 2003 when he was selected to participate in FRONTIERART, the Biennale of Arts and Sciences of the Mediterranean in Salerno, where he received acclaim from a jury chaired by the renowned artist Hidetoshi Nagasawa. In 2006, he graduated with honors in Scenography after presenting his thesis, Prima Memetica Teatrale, an in-depth exploration of Richard Dawkins’ memetics theory.
KASTANO’s artistic research focuses on creating a unique synthesis between light and matter. By combining traditional materials like canvas and metal leaf with contemporary digital formats such as NFTs and video art, his work bridges ancient and modern worlds. His creations reinterpret the raw beauty of rock art, unveiling hidden, archaic landscapes through the interplay of light and form.
Today, KASTANO’s artwork is part of private collections across Europe. Based in Modica, Sicily, he dedicates his career primarily to teaching while continuing his artistic practice. His pieces explore profound themes such as human fragility and natural beauty, merging traditional techniques with modern innovations to create a continuous dialogue between past and present.
the visions
Alchemical Itinerary
A significant part of my creative research explores the concept of the “Great Work,” inspired by the ancient practice of alchemical transmutation.
In alchemy, the process of creating the philosopher’s stone involves several transformative stages — Nigredo (blackening), Albedo (whitening), and Rubedo (reddening). On my canvases, these stages are reimagined as powerful visual metaphors, symbolizing the profound journey of initiation and transformation.
Neo-Rupestrian Art
Over 30,000 years ago, humans began to represent their world by drawing and carving the walls of the caves they inhabited.
Drawing on the evocative power of these ancient rock engravings, I breathe new life into imaginary worlds, conflicts, loves, and modern oppressions, channeling the raw sincerity of archaic symbols into contemporary expressions.
the obsession
Golden Touch
I have always been captivated by gold and its unique qualities. From the early years at the academy, I began incorporating it into my creations. Like a modern-day King Midas, I gilded everything I touched, transforming objects into shimmering symbols.
Over time, the delicate metal leaf and the interplay of light it creates have become a signature element of my artistic language, infusing each piece with a distinctive glow.
Neo-Rupestrian Art
Over 30,000 years ago, humans began to represent their world by drawing and carving the walls of the caves they inhabited.
Drawing on the evocative power of these ancient rock engravings, I breathe new life into imaginary worlds, conflicts, loves, and modern oppressions, channeling the raw sincerity of archaic symbols into contemporary expressions.
Alchemical Itinerary
A significant part of my creative research explores the concept of the “Great Work,” inspired by the ancient practice of alchemical transmutation.
In alchemy, the process of creating the philosopher’s stone involves several transformative stages — Nigredo (blackening), Albedo (whitening), and Rubedo (reddening). On my canvases, these stages are reimagined as powerful visual metaphors, symbolizing the profound journey of initiation and transformation.
Golden Touch
I have always been captivated by gold and its unique qualities. From the early years at the academy, I began incorporating it into my creations. Like a modern-day King Midas, I gilded everything I touched, transforming objects into shimmering symbols.
Over time, the delicate metal leaf and the interplay of light it creates have become a signature element of my artistic language, infusing each piece with a distinctive glow.
K+++ Community
If you’re interested in exploring my work further, commissioning a piece, or discussing a project idea, feel free to reach out to me via email. I’d love to hear from you!
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