BRANDON GASTINELL
ARTIST | LOS ANGELES
Contact
For Purchases, questions or inquiries,
BrandonGastinell@gmail.com
LOS ANGELES CA
ABOUT
Brandon Gastinell | Artist Biography and Statement
Brandon Gastinell b. 1993 Sacramento, Ca
Artist Biography
Brandon Gastinell, born in 1993 in Sacramento, CA, is a Los Angeles-based artist noted for his distinctive oil pastel works on canvas and paper. With a vibrant palette and bold strokes inspired by impressionism, Gastinell's art delves into the beauty and intricacies of the human form. His unique approach incorporates elements from his personal life, particularly channeling his late father's condition before his passing. This intimate connection to anatomy is a defining aspect of his portraiture, offering a profound look at the human condition.
Transitioning from digital art to oil pastels, Gastinell found a medium that allows him to express his artistic vision more fully. His current collection centers on the world of ballet, focusing specifically on black male ballerinas portrayed in restful or sitting poses rather than in motion. This choice challenges conventional notions of grace and athleticism, moving away from active performance to capture moments of vulnerability and introspection.
Gastinell's work, particularly his Black Ballerina Anatomy Collection, has gained recognition for its dynamic compositions and emotional depth, with pieces acquired by prestigious institutions like the Crocker Art Museum. Living and working in Los Angeles, he draws inspiration from the city's rich cultural landscape, which fuels his passion for creating both large-scale, colorful artworks and profound monochromatic pieces through his black pigment series
Artist Statement
I am Brandon Gastinell, an artist whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of ballet, focusing on black male ballerinas through a fusion of impressionist and contemporary influences. My art captures the beauty of imperfection and the nuanced human form, depicted in a state of rest rather than movement. This portrayal challenges traditional views on beauty, grace, and masculinity, using the resting figure to reflect on underrepresentation and vulnerability.
The anatomy in my portraits draws directly from my father's condition before his untimely death, using this personal tragedy as a foundation for my work. My father, who struggled with addiction and passed away alone, missing limbs from his condition, inspires the anatomical accuracy and emotional depth of my ballerinas. These figures serve as vessels for communicating my pain, childhood, and the constant battle with feelings of inadequacy.
Utilizing a rich color palette and bold, expressive strokes, my technique reflects the vibrancy of the human spirit while capturing the essence of my subjects' poses and emotions. Influenced by artists like Francis Bacon, my work seeks to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, particularly around diversity, gender, and the human psyche.
My collection is not just an artistic endeavor but a means to spark conversation around diversity and the breaking of traditional norms. It's a tribute to my childhood, marked by my father's struggles, and a message of resilience and hope. I aim to inspire a new generation of artists and dancers to redefine the boundaries of art and celebrate the transformative power of the human spirit.
Brandon Gastinell | brandongastinell@gmail.com | www.brandongastinell.com