Kastano contemporary artist bio
Kastano | Biography of a Contemporary Sicilian Artist
early life and education
I’m Giuseppe Castano, known in the art world as KASTANO—a contemporary artist rooted in the timeless landscapes of the Iblean Plateau in Sicily.
I was born in Messina in 1979 and, during my formative years, I lived between the Netherlands and Milan. These early experiences introduced me to a variety of cultural influences and creative environments.
It was during this period that I discovered the expressive power of performance, particularly through workshops on Poor Theatre, inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski.
Because of this, I felt the need to deepen my artistic exploration and decided to enroll at the Academy of Fine Arts in Reggio Calabria.
Eventually, I graduated with honors in 2006 after presenting my thesis, Prima Memetica Teatrale, developed under the supervision of my directing professor. This work explored how ideas spread like “memes” in theatrical contexts—an investigation into cultural transmission that still informs my artistic approach today.
artistic career
During my years at the academy, I co-founded Spazio Libero Officina Artistica, a collective of emerging artists based in Messina.
In 2003, I was selected for FRONTIERART – Biennale delle Arti e delle Scienze del Mediterraneo in Salerno, where I received recognition from a jury chaired by the Japanese sculptor Hidetoshi Nagasawa.
As part of the Kastano contemporary artist bio, this period marks a pivotal step in my evolution—where academic training, public recognition, and artistic collaboration began to define my unique voice.
Since then, my practice has evolved to blend traditional materials—such as canvas, metal leaf, and sculpture—with digital formats, including NFTs and video art.
Through this hybrid approach, I reinterpret the raw energy of prehistoric rock carvings: light and texture become my palette as I explore recurring themes of fragility, memory, and transformation.
Ultimately, each work initiates a visual dialogue between ancient symbolism and contemporary narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on the continuity between past and present.
professionalism and teaching
In addition to my work in the studio, I work as a specialized support teacher, where I design personalized learning strategies for students with special educational needs. This role reflects my commitment to inclusion, creativity, and educational innovation.
Before transitioning into teaching, I worked professionally in multimedia design and graphic communication, gaining valuable experience in the marketing and advertising sectors.
Moreover, my academic training in Performing Arts and Multimedia Production has enriched both my educational and artistic practice. It allows me to bridge creative expression and technological tools—whether I’m designing a lesson or developing a new body of work.
colletions and vision
My artworks are part of private collections throughout Europe.
Each creation, for me, is a step in an ongoing artistic journey—one where gesture, light, and ancient symbols converge into new visual narratives that transcend time.
For this reason, I warmly invite you to explore this evolving world with me, where the past resonates through contemporary art.
early life and education
I’m Giuseppe Castano, known in the art world as KASTANO—a contemporary artist rooted in the timeless landscapes of the Iblean Plateau in Sicily.
I was born in Messina in 1979 and, during my formative years, I lived between the Netherlands and Milan. These early experiences introduced me to a variety of cultural influences and creative environments.
It was during this period that I discovered the expressive power of performance, particularly through workshops on Poor Theatre, inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski.
Because of this, I felt the need to deepen my artistic exploration and decided to enroll at the Academy of Fine Arts in Reggio Calabria.
Eventually, I graduated with honors in 2006 after presenting my thesis, Prima Memetica Teatrale, developed under the supervision of my directing professor. This work explored how ideas spread like “memes” in theatrical contexts—an investigation into cultural transmission that still informs my artistic approach today.
artistic career
During my years at the academy, I co-founded Spazio Libero Officina Artistica, a collective of emerging artists based in Messina.
In 2003, I was selected for FRONTIERART – Biennale delle Arti e delle Scienze del Mediterraneo in Salerno, where I received recognition from a jury chaired by the Japanese sculptor Hidetoshi Nagasawa.
As part of the Kastano contemporary artist bio, this period marks a pivotal step in my evolution—where academic training, public recognition, and artistic collaboration began to define my unique voice.
Since then, my practice has evolved to blend traditional materials—such as canvas, metal leaf, and sculpture—with digital formats, including NFTs and video art.
Through this hybrid approach, I reinterpret the raw energy of prehistoric rock carvings: light and texture become my palette as I explore recurring themes of fragility, memory, and transformation.
Ultimately, each work initiates a visual dialogue between ancient symbolism and contemporary narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on the continuity between past and present.
professionalism and teaching
In addition to my work in the studio, I work as a specialized support teacher, where I design personalized learning strategies for students with special educational needs. This role reflects my commitment to inclusion, creativity, and educational innovation.
Before transitioning into teaching, I worked professionally in multimedia design and graphic communication, gaining valuable experience in the marketing and advertising sectors.
Moreover, my academic training in Performing Arts and Multimedia Production has enriched both my educational and artistic practice. It allows me to bridge creative expression and technological tools—whether I’m designing a lesson or developing a new body of work.
colletions and vision
My artworks are part of private collections throughout Europe.
Each creation, for me, is a step in an ongoing artistic journey—one where gesture, light, and ancient symbols converge into new visual narratives that transcend time.
For this reason, I warmly invite you to explore this evolving world with me, where the past resonates through contemporary art.
“In the creative act, the miracle of a bridge between Creator, Creation, and Creature is fulfilled: every gesture of the artist evokes the echo of the divine within the human, revealing in the artwork the spark that connects the finite to the infinite.”
G. kastano
Explore My Artistic Series
Kastano’s Contemporary Alchemical Art
A significant part of my creative research is devoted to the concept of the Great Work, rooted in the symbolic language of ancient alchemical transmutation.
In classical alchemy, the journey toward the philosopher’s stone unfolds through three transformative phases: Nigredo (blackening), Albedo (whitening), and Rubedo (reddening).
On my canvases, these ancient stages become powerful visual metaphors for personal initiation and spiritual rebirth. Through texture, tone, and contrast, I aim to translate these esoteric ideas into a contemporary symbolic art form that speaks to modern transformation.
The Alchemy of Gold in My Artistic Language
Gold has always held a magnetic pull for me. Since my early academy years, I’ve explored its expressive potential—not just as decoration, but as a symbolic and energetic material.
Like a modern-day King Midas, I found myself gilding objects instinctively.
Over time, the interplay between gold leaf and light has become a defining signature of my work.
It transforms each surface into a shimmering field of reflections, giving my symbolic art a sense of sacredness, transformation, and inner luminosity.
From Prehistoric Marks to Modern Expression
More than 30,000 years ago, early humans began depicting their reality by carving and painting the walls of caves they called home. These gestures were more than images—they were language, myth, and memory.
Inspired by the raw strength of these prehistoric rock engravings, I reinterpret ancient signs to give form to imaginary worlds, conflicts, and modern tensions.
By channeling the sincerity of archaic symbols, my neo-rupestrian artworks bridge ancient storytelling and contemporary visual language—bringing timeless narratives into the now.
From Prehistoric Marks to Modern Expression
More than 30,000 years ago, early humans began depicting their reality by carving and painting the walls of caves they called home. These gestures were more than images—they were language, myth, and memory.
Inspired by the raw strength of these prehistoric rock engravings, I reinterpret ancient signs to give form to imaginary worlds, conflicts, and modern tensions.
By channeling the sincerity of archaic symbols, my neo-rupestrian artworks bridge ancient storytelling and contemporary visual language—bringing timeless narratives into the now.
Kastano’s Contemporary Alchemical Art
A significant part of my creative research is devoted to the concept of the Great Work, rooted in the symbolic language of ancient alchemical transmutation.
In classical alchemy, the journey toward the philosopher’s stone unfolds through three transformative phases: Nigredo (blackening), Albedo (whitening), and Rubedo (reddening).
On my canvases, these ancient stages become powerful visual metaphors for personal initiation and spiritual rebirth. Through texture, tone, and contrast, I aim to translate these esoteric ideas into a contemporary symbolic art form that speaks to modern transformation.
The Alchemy of Gold in My Artistic Language
Gold has always held a magnetic pull for me. Since my early academy years, I’ve explored its expressive potential—not just as decoration, but as a symbolic and energetic material.
Like a modern-day King Midas, I found myself gilding objects instinctively.
Over time, the interplay between gold leaf and light has become a defining signature of my work.
It transforms each surface into a shimmering field of reflections, giving my symbolic art a sense of sacredness, transformation, and inner luminosity.
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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