Main Gallery
URBAN LEGEND – Will Kasso
August 1 – August 31
Reception: August 5, 7-9pm ( Member’s only 6-7pm)
This exhibition is a look back at the works of Trenton artist, Will Kasso. Known for his murals around the city, and for heading up the SAGE Coalition, which hosts the yearly community beautification project, Windows of Soul, Will is also known for his striking works on canvas.
Will “Kasso” Condry returns to his hometown for solo show at Artworks Trenton.
From “tagging” project hallways as a kid to producing artwork that is recognized nationally and internationally, Will “Kasso” Condry has never shied away from his humble beginnings. Born and raised in New Jersey’s Capital City, Kasso’s only escape from the negative images that plagued his community was through art. Painting and drawing became his loyal friends at a time when many of his peers were falling victim to the streets. Kasso credits the start of his arts education when he first walked through the doors of Artworks Trenton at age 11 in 1988.
“My mother signed me up for art classes at Artworks when I was in 5th grade because they offered free classes to Trenton youth. In those classes, I learned still life drawing, how to make puppets, and it’s where I was encouraged to create my first public art work. My instructor lead us to Mill Hill Park, which at the time had all wooden playground equipment. He told us to ‘paint everything.’ It’s a memory I hold dear. I never did anything like that. The entire playground, all the equipment, was painted that day. It left a serious impression on me.”
During this time, Kasso also began drawing graffiti-inspired images after watching the legendary battle between L.A. graffiti writers HEX and SLICK on television. As he grew up, the need for self-expression empowered him to create in a variety of media all the while avoiding the conflicts that surrounded him. Kasso went on to formally study fine art and illustration at The College of New Jersey. He furthered his education under the tutelage of legendary graffiti artist, teacher and mentor Daniel “POSE 2” Hopkins. Over the course of 28 years, Kasso has mastered the use of acrylic, oil, watercolor, and aerosol paint. Considered the godfather of the Trenton art scene, Kasso promotes and produces public art throughout the Northeast and the West Coast. Kasso’s personal work includes canvas paintings and illustrations. His artwork is inspired by his cultural heritage and his family. His lived experiences and social issues also form the subject of Kasso’s murals, canvases, and illustrations. Additionally, his work centers on community-building, using mural arts as a vehicle for activism and beautification. Kasso firmly believes in the power of art to improve lives. His goal is to keep producing art by any means and to keep pushing the limits of what art can conceive and achieve.
Now living in Middlebury, Vermont, Kasso will return for a solo exhibition at Artworks Trenton entitled Urban Legend (August 1-31), bringing him full circle. Urban Legend is a look back at previous works and a look forward to new paintings that are an exploration away from Kasso’s usual aesthetic. The new works are inspired by his present journey of self-reflection and newfound discovery. This exhibition will tell the story the only way Kasso knows how. It is more than an art show, Urban Legend will be an experience.