Artist Highlight: Alain Castoriano

Meet Alain Castoriano, a Bakehouse artist whose practice centers process, exploring the ways his work can evolve organically to create new abstract forms. His work aims to reveal the physical power latent in color and abstraction, ultimately working to create art that resonates with viewers on a visceral level.

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Can you tell us about your artistic practice?

I graduated from the prestigious Ecole National Supérieur des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, with a specialization in Visual Communication. For part of my life, I was an Art Director and Creative Director in the publishing, advertising, and fashion industry, both in France and the United States. My transition into the fashion industry introduced me to a new way of thinking about colors and textures. Fashion, with its emphasis on visual impact and materiality, expanded my creative vocabulary, helping me see the emotional potential of colors, shapes, and textures in new ways, ultimately guiding me toward becoming a full-time artist.

My work is a lot about process. I start out with a few forms and a carefully chosen color palette. From there, my work evolves organically, as these initial elements morph into new forms, leading the way until the composition feels complete and balanced. My intent is to reveal the physical power of abstract forms and color, allowing the artwork to guide me as much as I guide it and creating works that resonate with the viewer on a visceral level.

I owe a great debt to figures who paved the way, such as Alexander Calder, Joan Mirò, and Henri Matisse. Not only for their visually striking works but also for their playful approach, as well as their ability to transform spaces— a quality I strive to incorporate into my own creative practice. Their influence on my practice underscores my commitment to creating art that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also deeply engaging and interactive with its environment.

Tell us about a personal project or body of work that you are currently excited about.

Currently, I am very much involved in creating works for public spaces. I have already put together a specific portfolio for this purpose. The project I recently completed at the Bakehouse, Tropical Storm (2024), allowed me to test my ability to transpose my visual vocabulary on a larger scale. The challenge of scaling up my work is both invigorating and enlightening.

Interestingly, I discovered that working on a larger scale brings me closer to a more gestural and corporeal form of expression. The expansive space allowed me to physically "enter" the work, to move within it, and to engage with it on a more immersive level. This physical engagement with my art adds a new layer of depth to my practice, enabling me to create pieces that resonate on both an emotional and spatial level.

Tell us about how you have developed as an artist since you began working at Bakehouse.

My time at the Bakehouse Art Complex has been a pivotal chapter in my artistic development. The life of an artist is often one of solitary practice, yet there is an undeniable need for connection with an audience to truly evaluate and refine our work. In this sense, Bakehouse has provided an ideal environment for this balance. The events and exhibitions that we organize regularly and the studio visits we receive give us the opportunity to interact with “the outside world,” receiving valuable feedback and forging a sense of belonging within a vibrant community.

Moreover, the Bakehouse is more than just a space for showcasing art; it is a crucible for creative exchange. The daily interactions with fellow artists have been a source of immense learning and growth. The diversity of ages, cultures, and artistic practices within the Bakehouse community has enriched my own work, providing fresh perspectives and new ideas that I might not have encountered otherwise. These exchanges of knowledge, experience, and services have fostered a collaborative spirit that is as rewarding as it is inspiring. In return, I’ve made it a personal mission to raise awareness of the Bakehouse, both locally and internationally. I encourage people to visit, to experience the unique atmosphere, and to witness the incredible diversity of art being created within its walls.