MY INSPIRATION
I often wonder what life would have been like if my grandfather was still alive. How proud would he have been of who I had become?
He passed away 10 years ago after we had just visited Lebanon. His health was declining rapidly. However, no matter how weak he physically became, his mental and emotional resilience never faltered. He always carried himself with confidence beyond comprehension, held strong beliefs rooted in heritage, shared lessons learned from unfortunate life circumstances and upbringing, and had a deep passion for everything he put his mind to. These traits were ultimately passed onto me and I strive to express them in my artwork. Our similarities are the most identical out of anyone in my family, and he often saw himself in me. Even to this day, I have a constant longing and desire to know more about him, and to connect with him on a deeper level.
My artwork explores this connection between my grandfather and myself and why his memory and legacy remain significant to me after his death. I accomplish this in my works by drawing from our shared interests, beliefs, and traits, which are fueled by stories and longing for moments that were and could have been. Ultimately, I see my art as a vehicle to preserve his legacy and make my grandfather proud.
MY PROCESS
My process usually begins by drawing inspiration from old printed photographs of my grandfather and using them in conjunction with my limited memories to fuel the emotional connection in my art. I frequently use calligraphy in the figures around the relationship to establish ideas and pay homage to the traditional Arab heritage. I prioritize dramatic lights and darks, which elevate subject matter and stress the sacredness of the legacy. Many of my works incorporate a recurring palette of gold and purple. Gold represents a lasting and pure relationship, indicative of the properties of gold. Purple represents royalty and nostalgia, but more importantly, a mix of blue’s cool, reservedness and red’s warm, affection, representative of our distinct personalities. I use thin gold leaf to represent the fragile beauty of life’s memories. The embroidery represents the continuation of family traditions and encompasses the soul of fashion. Finally, my choice of oil paint as my primary medium is an homage to the traditionality of the medium and its timelessness. However, I use it in a more contemporary context, foundationally similar to my relationship with my grandfather. It’s this blend of appreciation and regard for the past and the memories associated with it, with my modern adaptation of the evolving state of our connection.
PORFOLIO SELECTION
My artworks encapsulate the major themes of heritage, shared traits and the nostalgia associated with his legacy.
Several pieces incorporate my Arabic heritage through calligraphy, including “Malak” (which translates to king), “Storm,” “Tarnish,” “Elegance,” and “Presence, Absence, and Essence.” My artwork selection pays homage to our similar traits, interests, personalities, and beliefs.
ROOTS
jude_kasti “Roots”- 36x60in- oil paint in canvas-Scholastic Gold Key Award
This painting depicts the connection between my grandfather and I through our relationship to our homeland and heritage. He is the past, the roots of the family, and I am the present. It represents the rapid change of times between when he was a child, the vibrant dreamlike left, and the new generation, in the harsh muted present reality. It represents how our identity and who we are is molded by our culture and our deep and personal connection to where we came from
Yet, our strong family values and traits are passed on and thus persist despite the changing times. I focus on using the illusion of depth and a transparent figure ground to directly tie heritage into our identity.
MALAK
The Arabic word “Malak” translates to King in English, which is the nickname my grandfather gave to me when I was young. To him, ever since I was a toddler, I embodied the attitude of a natural-born leader… strong, determined, resilient, and courageous. Even as I’ve grown up, I’ve continued to hold that strong spirit that both my grandfather and I shared. The piece represents his passing on the mantle of the strong traits both of us share and the continuation of his legacy even after his passing.
ELEGANCE
jude_kasti “Al-Anaqua” 18×24-oil on canvas
The Arabic word ‘Al-Anaqua’ translates to “Elegance”in English. I convey in this artwork the idea of always holding the standard of perfection in style and fashion to its highest. However, this emphasis on elegance extends beyond looks; it reflects the importance of making a strong first impression on others and how that could be the entry way to a person or relationship.
Elegance has been utilized to communicate power, confidence, signify status, and a tradition that continues until today. Every decision in this piece was guided by memories of my grandfather, from replicating his favorite pose to styling the watch and cufflinks he left for me. These choices are an homage to my longing to emulate him and maintain a deeper connection with him, even though he is no longer with us. I utilize embroidery in the watch and cufflinks to represent the essence of fashion and as the continuation of the family tradition of embroidery. I hold emphasis on the details of not only looks in my piece, by painting a variety of thick and thin textures.
jude_kasti “I am the Storm”- 24x30in- oil on canvas and gold leaf
– A storm is often violent, treacherous, overwhelming, and terrifying. However, this painting depicts the strengths and values passed on to me from my grandfather, who faced all the difficulties of his life with courage and determination. He instilled in me the belief of not giving in to our challenges and always standing strong in the face of these hardships. The idea of not being sucked into the storm but to become the storm itself! The Arabic translates to “I am the storm.”
I AM THE STORM
FIREBIRD
The car is a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, the same one my grandfather owned since the 1970’s. It relates back to the connection that my grandfather and I had through our innate love for cars. The Firebird also represents resurrection and rising from the ashes, and how his legacy is remembered through me even though he is no longer here to share our love of cars together.
jude_kasti “Jiddo and Kiddo”-Oil on canvas- 18×24
-Jiddo means grandfather in Arabic. In this painting, depicted is my grandfather and I as he holds me in his warm embrace while I am playing with the toy car of the same 1977 Pontiac Firebird he owned. His comforting hold gives me reassurance for the life ahead of young me as I continue his legacy and hold on tight to the memories we shared before he passed.
NOSTALGIA
PRESENCE, ABSENCE, & ESSENCE
Presence, Absence, and Essence” and the importance of these moments in shaping who we are and the idea of reflecting back on these moments, “tarnished” with the longing to spend time with him and learn more from him.
All these pieces carry these 3 motifs and come together to create a comprehensive collection of works to honor my grandfather’s legacy.
