Artist Profile: David Najib Kasir
David Najib Kasir is an Artist/Painter/Muralist/Curator who lives and works in Milwaukee, WI. His work comprises of personal narratives in life and cultural history or events. In recent years, Kasir’s work draws from stories from his parents’ journey to the U.S. and the current crises from where they migrated (Syria-Mother/Iraq- Father). As an American-born artist, Kasir reveals his cultural identity in paint and designs to inform the viewers about the recent wars in Syria in hopes viewers can grow an understanding of the millions of voiceless Arabs now living in chaos and disarray. By using beautiful traditional Arab designs called Zellige to dress the figures in his work, Kasir shows the beauty of a culture and the tragedy as families try to hold on to it, plus hold on to each other as everything around them falls apart. Kasir has a BFA in painting from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (2001). He is also the proud father of two adult daughters (one being an artist herself). Kasir is represented by Var Gallery in Milwaukee.
How does community impact the work you make — or the way you create your work?
I think after creating my first mural, things changed. I got to see how a piece of mine communicated with a community and not just the small number of people who walked into a gallery space that I might be featured in. After creating a mural for Black Cat Alley, I would get messages from other Middle Easterners and immigrants. I would get these emails and Instagram messages telling me what my mural meant to them. I would be told that they saw their mother or grandmother in the mural. Or that they saw themselves in the children. I would get messages from fellow Arabs telling me that it was the first time they saw a positive or loving public representation of us and our culture. It really showed me the power of art existing more than just what we experience in museums.
I think we can learn a lot from what initially seems like 'failure.' Are there artistic mediums you've tried and fell flat with? Did those efforts teach you anything?
As I work late at night, I wonder at times how I got here. I know it started with using oil paint in high school. However, I still wonder how that confidence and determination in oil paint really came to be. I went to Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design when I was young. I remember being naive as well as thinking I was a good painter, then noticing other students who were so much better than I was. I think my confidence took a hit. At that same time, I was taking sculpture and really having success in it. I felt more free in using my hands. I was just about to change my main focus from painting to sculpture. But I decided to take a different approach in painting. I decided to approach painting as a sculptor; that is when things started opening up for me. I used the paint as a sculptural means. I think that has shown ‘til this day in the forms I work on. I had to learn to know when it was appropriate to break away from a canvas stretcher form.
What is a gallery/exhibition you dream about, and what makes this so dreamy?
I am from Chicago. I've become a Milwaukee guy, but I still am very much a Chicago kid at heart. Going to the Chicago Art Institute as a kid or the Contemporary Museum of Chicago had a huge influence on me in thinking about art and how I got here. They were like my ‘church of worship’ in expression. I would say the dream is to have my work in one of those institutions. It would be like a homecoming to me. Sorta how it felt when I got to have a mural in Chicago, but on a finer scale.
What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books and/or book talks, spoken word events and/or films you're hoping to check out this season in Wisconsin or virtually?
I actually won't really be in Milwaukee much in April and May. I will be in New York for a residency with the Golden Foundation. Also, I am extremely busy at the moment working on large paintings for the Baird Center that will be open to the public when I get back. I am really looking forward to seeing the works by all the other super talented artists and friends who are a part of that space with me. Plus every year, I always look forward to seeing the work at Var Gallery's annual 30x30x30 exhibition. A show which is usually one of the best of the year in the city. And the NBA Playoffs are my favorite time of the (basketball) season, so I am sad that I won't be in Milwaukee when it starts. But I am hoping our Bucks are still in it when I get back and can get to a game or two. #gobucks #freepalestine
