Dept of Art Gallery

CASTRO FRANK

(Los Angeles Ca, b. 1983)

A self-taught artist and photographer based in Los Angeles, CA, draws richly from his upbringing in the San Fernando Valley to shape his distinct artistic style. His childhood and environment deeply influence his work, infusing it with the unique essence and spirit of his early experiences. This personal connection to his roots is evident in his creations, as he seamlessly blends elements of his past with his present craft, resulting in art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

1992

As a street photographer, my style has embraced a journalistic and candid approach. For more than 15 years I have been captivated by people from different walks of life that resonate with my own; the things I witnessed as a child and experienced in the neighborhood I was raised in. 

As I embarked into the realm of painting, I was struck by a newfound sense of control. In photography, you are at the mercy of your subject, being in the right place at the right time. In painting, however, from the piece’s inception throughout the creative process, I have the ability to dictate how my message is realized. This allowed me to tailor my inaugural painting series to stories of my childhood.

In this first collection, I share a memory. Some of the happiest times around the house were the first of the month, a time when it felt as if anything was possible. Food stamps were a symbol of happiness. Because as a young kid, I did not understand the ways of the world outside of my own. Food stamps were an object that I could not capture on the street with my camera, so I found my way to painting. Through a vibrant palette of colors, I present my latest series titled “1992”, inviting others to experience one of my own favorite memories with me. 

2021 | 52 Food Stamps | 60 x 40 in | Acrylic on canvas
2023 | 56 Food Stamps | 60 x 40 in | Acrylic on canvas
2020 | 27 Food Stamps Red | 40 x 30 in
2023 | 18 Food Stamps | 40 x 30 in | Acrylic on canvas
2020 | 27 Food Stamps Red | 40 x 30 in
2023 | 27 Food Stamps | 60 x 40 in | Acrylic on canvas
2022 | 48 Food Stamps Red | 55 x 41 in
2023 | 91 Food Stamps Red | 64 x 61 in

Collect Castro original's

Designed with discerning collectors in mind, our selection offers a diverse range of artistic expressions, ensuring that every acquisition is not just an addition to your collection but a deep engagement with the evolving narratives of art.