Rikki Kasso (b. 1979, NYC) approaches the creation of art with a distinctive blend of humility and dramatic flair. His artistic sensibility is marked by a whimsical, nearly Surrealist ethos, wherein commonplace visuals are metamorphosed into potent creations that are both distinctive and unforeseen. Ranging across multiple artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, video, and monumental installations, Kasso consistently defies formal categorization. He traverses materials, genres, and motifs with an element of unpredictability, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes the act of crafting, showcasing, and experiencing art.

When examining Kasso’s body of work, one encounters the challenge of effectively classifying pieces that, at first glance, appear immensely diverse. Beyond the realms of technique, imagery, or technology, one can contemplate his artistic output in connection to various spheres of influence, both tangible and conceptual, from which his creations may have originated or with which they share deep associations. Three interconnected realms come to the fore: the studio, the exterior or public domain of images and objects, and the realm of fantasy or the fictive. It is the interplay between these three domains, or the treatment of elements from one sphere in the manner of another, that engenders the friction and enigmatic quality inherent in Kasso’s work. Here, objects, images, and materials often defy conventional expectations, provoking viewers to perceive them through a different lens.

Rikki Kasso’s artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the diverse environments in which he has resided, including Japan, Australia, and America. Each locale has left an indelible mark on his creative spirit, infusing his work with a rich tapestry of cultural nuances and perspectives. This multifaceted background has lent a unique depth and dimensionality to his artistry.

Furthermore, Kasso’s mastery within each artistic medium is widely acknowledged and celebrated independently of his entire body of work. His photography, for instance, is held in high esteem among the pantheon of great photographers, many of whom may remain unaware of his other artistic expressions. His fashion brand enjoyed a prestigious presence, adorning the racks alongside fashion industry titans. Moreover, his paintings stand as individual accomplishments, advancing the medium of painting as an art form in their own right. Kasso’s artistic versatility and unrelenting commitment to innovation render him a luminary within each sphere he chooses to explore, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic possibility.