September 12, 2020
An emerging artist living in Charleston, South Carolina, Jack Caserta has developed a diversified practice that spans a range of styles and mediums. Using oil and acrylic through an intuitive, organic, and inventive process, he creates figurative and abstract works imbued with symbolism, influenced by music, landscapes, stories, and sensations.
In his works, Caserta seeks to evoke raw feelings through an exploration of lines, strokes, or masses of bold color. His distinct style, characterized by different layers of color and coarse brushwork, has been shaped by various influences, most notably those of urban culture and modern masters, such as Willem de Kooning, Hans Hoffman, Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Gerhard Richter.
Jack Caserta - B Culture, 2018. Mixed media on canvas, 30 x 40 inches
The Practice of Jack Caserta
Born in Connecticut, Jack Caserta was first drawn to art in high school, deciding to take an art class. However, it was later in his life that he decided to pursue art as a career. His grandmother helped him get his first exhibition, after signing his work into a local art contest. This was a pivotal point in his life when he realized art was the path he wanted to explore.
Abstraction was the style he always gravitated to, seeing it as one of the purest forms of expression where he could construct his own visual language while not forcing a clear narrative. Using color, forms, texture, scale, and shapes to move away from any literal, representational reference point, he creates works that are surprising and provocative and, at the same time, deeply personal.
Left: Jack Caserta - Gin and Juice, 2019. Oil and acrylic on canvas, 60 x 36 inches / Right: Jack Caserta - Bramble, 2019. Oil, acrylic, oil pastel on canvas, 60 x 36 inches
A Distinct Abstract Style
Seeking to achieve a form that is continually changing, Caserta explores and spans abstract styles by combining color, texture, images, text, composition, and scale. Approaching his canvases with no preconceived idea of what the result will be, he allows his painting to evolve organically and spontaneously. Constantly experimenting with textures and layers, the artist seeks to convey flow and movement.
Although working in a variety of mediums, oil and oil pastels are among his favorite due to the vibrance and depth they bring to his work. He finds pigments in oil pastels refract light in a way that no other medium does.
He never wants to impose a way to interpret his art because he believes that abstract art is best felt intuitively rather than understood. Jack seeks to create a dialogue with viewers who are curious and have no preconceived notions as to what is a legitimate art form.
Jack Caserta - Most Kings Get Their Head Cut Off, 2019. Oil on canvas, 60 x 30 inches
Looking Into the Future
Many artists have influenced Caserta's work along the way - including Basquiat's approach to human anatomy, de Kooning's ability to bring together figuration and abstraction, or Richter's evolution from realism to abstraction.
Caserta hopes to continue his studies in fine art in Europe while continuing to aspire to exhibit in art shows and galleries around the world. He hopes to establish himself in a new generation of emerging artists.
In addition to his painting practice, the artist is very interested in designing apparel. At the moment, he is focusing on jackets but hopes he would have his own clothing line in the next five years.
Featured image: Jack Caserta - Light at the end of the tunnel, 2019. Oil, acrylic, oil pastel, spray paint, 36 x 60 inches. All images courtesy of the artist and Artios Gallery.
Follow The Artist
Follow The Gallery Artios Gallery
New York City, USA.