Bio

Francesco Lo Castro (b. 1976, Catania, Italy) creates work that examines the underlying nodes of physical reality, drawing on historically grounding visual elements from Italian Futurism, 1980s analog computer graphics, Finish Fetish, and Art Deco color palettes. His practice, however, is deeply rooted in the present, responding to the rapid technological innovations and socio-political shifts of the 21st century.

At the core of Lo Castro’s work is a drive to recollect and arrest memories while envisioning a future-forward aesthetic. His art dares to question the boundaries between biology and technology—exploring the tension between human agency and algorithmic control, mirroring society’s growing entanglement with digital systems, while reflecting on how advancements like AI, biotechnology, and virtual reality are reshaping our understanding of identity and existence. 

This exploration engages with ongoing discussions about the metaverse, virtual identities, and the implications of our deepening integration with technology, while also reflecting on how fluid social constructs—shaped by social media and global connectivity—influence our understanding of shared spaces.

A heightened sense of dimension and depth emerges from Lo Castro’s evolving dialogue between digital design and human execution. His unorthodox techniques, which blend materials like wood, stone, glass, and plastics, echo the contemporary art world’s embrace of new media while underscoring the enduring value of craftsmanship. This approach aligns with current trends, such as the rise of digital art and NFTs, yet remains grounded in tactile, physical creation.

Dense with movement, Lo Castro’s compositions balance explosiveness and order, vibrancy and dreaminess, power and release. From this tension, a delicate and soothing vision emerges—one that invites viewers to reflect on their role in a world of rapid change, offering subtle pathways toward restoration and balance.

Lo Castro's work has been exhibited at MOCA North Miami, MOCA Nashville, Orlando Museum of Art, HistoryMiami Museum, Art and Culture Center, Hollywood, Mad Arts Museum and ARTECHOUSE.

Synopsis

GALA immerses viewers in a visually striking world of swirling shapes and pixelated textures, where vibrant colors and geometric precision pulse with dynamic rhythm. The film’s depth emerges from a masterful interplay of light and shadow, crafting an immersive experience that seamlessly blends organic and synthetic forms. This visual fusion creates a distinctive aesthetic, drawing audiences into a contemplative space without relying on explicit narrative cues.

Through abstract imagery and kinetic sequences, GALA probes the complexities of memory, transformation, and identity in the digital age. Its dreamlike flow subtly evokes societal division and the longing for restoration, prompting viewers to reflect on their place in an ever-shifting reality. The original soundtrack, composed and produced by Lo Castro, amplifies this experience, weaving sound and visuals into a unified whole that deepens the film’s philosophical undertones. Together, these elements offer a cohesive, multidisciplinary journey into the intersections of human experience and technological evolution.

Credits:

Collaborator/Animation Components:  Ricardo Agudelo