David Kassan is an American artist known for his figurative paintings documenting the human condition. He was born on February 25, 1977, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up outside of Philadelphia. Kassan studied at Syracuse University, where he received his BFA in 1999 and the Art Students League in New York City.
Raw, poignant and profoundly honest, David Jon Kassan’s work aesthetically captures humanity in its true form. As an artist, Kassan acts as an empathetic intermediary between the subject he portrays and the viewer. More than simply replicating his subjects Kassan seeks to understand them. He seeks to capture the essence of those he paints, imbuing them with their own voice.
Kassan's most notable body of work is his series of paintings of Holocaust Survivors. In 2019, Kassan's work was exhibited at the USC Fisher Museum of Art in Los Angeles. The exhibition was a collaboration between Kassan and Steven Spielberg's USC Shoah Foundation. The foundation has collected over 52,000 video testimonies from Holocaust survivors and other witnesses, and Kassan was given access to these testimonies to help inform his paintings. The resulting works were displayed alongside the testimonies, creating a powerful and immersive experience for museum visitors.
Having moved to New Mexico, Kassan was deeply moved by the history and culture of the region, particularly the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers. Inspired by their bravery and sacrifice, he embarked on a series of paintings dedicated to capturing the essence of these unsung heroes. Through meticulous research and a deep respect for his subjects, Kassan's portraits of the last code talkers stand as a testament to their courage and resilience.
Throughout his career, Kassan has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art world, including the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant, the Kenneth Norris Foundation, and the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, as well as recognition from organizations such as the Portrait Society of America. His work has been exhibited in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, as well as The National Portrait Gallery in London, along with other museums, galleries internationally.
Kassan’s works can be seen in many public and private collections worldwide. He lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
