West Coastin' with William Kasso
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Artist Willie Condry Jr. — popularly known as KASSO — is planning a tour of southern California to produce artwork and collect stories from those he encounters. He will catalog his experiences. The goal is to publish the catalogs in a book showing the West Coast art world through the eyes of an East Coast artist.
Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, KASSO grew up quickly understanding what he wanted from life. He started creating art at age five. Art was a creative outlet that manifested itself early on.
Influences began to appear. At age 7, he first noticed graffiti art from New York City graffiti artists creating murals for local businesses in Trenton. Inspiration erupted years later. At age 11, he watched the legendary battle between LA graffiti writers HEX and SLICK on television — he realized what he was destined to do.
"That battle really opened my eyes to another world. I had never seen anything like that before. I remember it like it was yesterday. I immediately started drawing outlines and graffiti inspired characters and never stopped."
KASSO went on to study Fine Arts and Illustration. At the College of New Jersey, he excelled in painting, drawing and ceramic sculpture. He furthered his education under the tutelage of legendary graffiti artist, teacher and mentor Daniel "POSE 2" Hopkins. KASSO mastered the fine art of aerosol painting.
Today, KASSO is primarily known for his unique portraits and vivid aerosol based murals. He is a pioneering force in the Trenton art scene, working with numerous nonprofit organizations: One Simple Wish, Albus Cavus, NJTL(National Junior Tennis League), Home Front, City Without Walls, Isles Youth Build and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Along with the S.A.G.E. Coalition and Vicious Styles Crew, KASSO has produced dozens of murals throughout the city of Trenton and along the east coast. Numerous celebrities and avid art collectors have commissioned him to produce fine art. His goal is to keep producing art by any means and to keep pushing the limits of what art can conceive and achieve.
While in California, KASSO plans to expand his brand and reach as an artist. He leaves for Los Angeles on July 18 — his birthday. From there, he will head to San Diego. Documenting every step via social media, he aims to produce a book cataloging this trip and subsequent artwork executed The book will not only focus on the artwork created during the tour, but also highlight his illustrious 12-year professional career painting all over the country.
Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, KASSO grew up quickly understanding what he wanted from life. He started creating art at age five. Art was a creative outlet that manifested itself early on.
Influences began to appear. At age 7, he first noticed graffiti art from New York City graffiti artists creating murals for local businesses in Trenton. Inspiration erupted years later. At age 11, he watched the legendary battle between LA graffiti writers HEX and SLICK on television — he realized what he was destined to do.
"That battle really opened my eyes to another world. I had never seen anything like that before. I remember it like it was yesterday. I immediately started drawing outlines and graffiti inspired characters and never stopped."
KASSO went on to study Fine Arts and Illustration. At the College of New Jersey, he excelled in painting, drawing and ceramic sculpture. He furthered his education under the tutelage of legendary graffiti artist, teacher and mentor Daniel "POSE 2" Hopkins. KASSO mastered the fine art of aerosol painting.
Today, KASSO is primarily known for his unique portraits and vivid aerosol based murals. He is a pioneering force in the Trenton art scene, working with numerous nonprofit organizations: One Simple Wish, Albus Cavus, NJTL(National Junior Tennis League), Home Front, City Without Walls, Isles Youth Build and The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Along with the S.A.G.E. Coalition and Vicious Styles Crew, KASSO has produced dozens of murals throughout the city of Trenton and along the east coast. Numerous celebrities and avid art collectors have commissioned him to produce fine art. His goal is to keep producing art by any means and to keep pushing the limits of what art can conceive and achieve.
While in California, KASSO plans to expand his brand and reach as an artist. He leaves for Los Angeles on July 18 — his birthday. From there, he will head to San Diego. Documenting every step via social media, he aims to produce a book cataloging this trip and subsequent artwork executed The book will not only focus on the artwork created during the tour, but also highlight his illustrious 12-year professional career painting all over the country.
Organizer and beneficiary
William Genghis Kasso
Organizer
Trenton, NJ
Candice Martinez
Beneficiary
