Noah Kashiani

BIO

Noah Kashiani (b.1992 Cleveland, Ohio) lives in Chicago, Illinois after receiving his MFA from Northern Illinois University (2019). Kashiani’s work carefully balances harmony and discord. Nods to late capitalism are often represented which explore the idea of exclusivity, value, and the translucent validation that comes with material items. Recent exhibitions include Boccara Art (Miami, Florida), Paradice Palase (Brooklyn, New York), and Parlor and Ramp (Chicago, Illinois).

ARTIST STATEMENT

I go to multiple thrift stores each day. I can’t miss the opportunity to turn some persons unwanted objects into something of my own. In my most recent made objects relatively simple color schemes were employed to unify the original up-cycled materials. These works of art are all made from objects found at thrift stores around Chicago. This art work is a testament to high fashion, not only aesthetically but also by placing emphasis on materialism and late capitalism. Adding a seductive finish to my sculptures fuels our humanistic desire for a seemingly lavish object. In several instances I pay homage to objects in society that are associated with monetary value as well as commenting on the irony of societal obligations. Overindulgence, hoarding, and lack of domestic organization are represented in the sometimes-chaotic cluster. This body of work are examples of left-behind clothing/accessories that have been encased, stiffened up and covered in crystals as if they are a piece of history from our contemporaries. These fossilized remnants of capitalism symbolize the lust and greed we internally seek as animals.

Interview with Noah Kashiani

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in becoming an artist? Who or what were some of your most important early influences?

I grew up playing basketball. When I saw Dada Sprees for the first time, I feel like it sparked my investigation of fashion and design. I collected some relatively gaudy glass objects as well, like flowers and paperweights.

Where are you currently based and what initially attracted you to working in this place? Are there any aspects of this specific location or community that have inspired aspects of your work?

Chicago. I was initially attracted to the city because of the energy it provides. Also, really good food and it has pretty buildings. My location 100 percent informs my work. A lot of my experiences I am having wouldn’t nearly be the same in a different setting.

Can you describe your studio space? What are some of the most crucial aspects of a studio that make it functional? Do any of these specific aspects directly affect your work?

My studio space is an artist space/gallery in Chicago called Parlor and Ramp. It is awesome because it has a lot of space to work. Its not up to many flights of stairs. And they have nice back parking lot with plants where I often work and chill when the weather is not inclimate.

What is a typical day like? If you don't have a typical day, what is an ideal day?

My ideal day…I wake up early. covid doesn’t exist. I don’t work. Sun is shining. Get some coffee going. Hit the studio early and get some solid work done outside. Then ideally after that, I can vibe until bedtime.


What gets you in a creative mindset?

Relieving myself of distractions. Seeing art, doing new things. 


What criteria do you follow for selecting materials? How long have you worked with this particular media or method?

Everything is either a found object or from the thrift store. It started in 2019, it works great because these secondhand stores have a never ending variety of textures fabrics, and colors.


Can you walk us through your overall process? How long has this approach been a part of your practice?

The physical process is something like:

Get a bunch of objects and clothing that I find interesting. Seal them so they become stiff with either resin or rubber. Then I flock them with nylon fibers and then figure out a way to grow salt based crystals on them, it varies each time.

I have been doing this for about 1 year now.

Can you talk about some of the ongoing interests, imagery, and concepts that have informed your process and body of work over time? How do you anticipate your work progressing in the future?

Fashion design has always been an interest. The natural world. Late capitalism. Not really sure how my work is going to evolve going forward. I am thinking a lot about plaid right now.


Do you pursue any collaborations, projects, or careers in addition to your studio practice? If so, can you tell us more about those projects, and are there connections between your studio practice and these endeavors?

I am a 1 of 2 parents of a mini dachshund named Oliver. That really the only collaboration I have going.


As a result of the pandemic, many artists have experienced limited access to their studios or loss of exhibitions, income, or other opportunities. Has your way of working (or not working) shifted significantly during this time? Are there unexpected insights or particular challenges you’ve experienced?

The concept of growing crystals started in my kitchen because of covid and not going to the studio due to seeing people. I had always thought it could be a plausible concept but never pulled the trigger until I was in a practical place to experiment.

Can you share some of your recent influences? Are there specific works—from visual art, literature, film, or music—that are important to you?

Recently, a book called The Meaning of Things: Domestic symbols and the self

Who are some contemporary artists you’re excited about? What are the best exhibitions you’ve seen in recent memory and why do they stand out?

Some artists I have been thinking about lately:

Cosima von Bonin, Rachel Harrison, Kristian Touborg, Just to name a few.

I recently went to a Jessica Stockholder exhibit, that was fun. The use of material in this show is ingenious, however this isn’t new for this artist. 


Do you have any tips or advice that someone has shared with you that you have found particularly helpful?

Go to the studio. Be selfish with you time.

What are you working on in the studio right now? What’s coming up next for you?

A few shows coming up in 2022. I am working to introduce more strategy in the placement of the crystal growth.

To find out more about Noah Kashiani check out his Instagram and website.