Meet David Gista in Rogers Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Gista.

David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born, raised and educated in Paris, France. I studied Art there at the prestigious “Ecole des Beaux-Arts”.
In the late 90’s, I was offered an exhibition at a gallery in Chicago. The show was called “Serie Noire” and its themes were revolving around the universe of “noir” movies and mystery novels.

Circumstances made me stay in Chicago where since then I have developed an artistic career. I had the privilege to be supported and helped by famous Chicago artist Ed Paschke who invited me in 1999 to be a visiting artist at Northwestern University. Among my other accomplishments here, I was commissioned in 2002, by the Water Tower Sofitel hotel, 274 digital paintings for their public spaces. my work was featured over the years on WTTW – TV’s Art Beat, WGN-TV’s Chicago’s very own with Jane Boal, the Chicago Sun-Times, I was interviewed on NPR by Victoria Lautman.

I also started to teach painting and drawing in various locations and dedicated myself helping people to learn and improve their skills, sometimes talent, and to blossom as artists. The accomplishment that made me the proudest was to have several students becoming professionals.

I am currently represented by the Thomas Masters Gallery in Chicago and exhibit my work in Europe and in the US.

In my artwork, I combine my classical fine arts training with my keen-eyed examination of modernity, creating a running commentary on contemporary life expressed in a variety of media. In the last decade, I have explored the theme of books, libraries, knowledge and mass communication. In my latest works, I have incorporated more texture and abstracted my subjects.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had established myself in France as an artist before moving to Chicago. Arriving here was like almost starting from zero, even though I received a lot of support and help: the legendary midwestern kindness made it easier.
One of the struggles was to learn new codes and mastering the language. I realized progressively that I had to learn a new set of social skills and a new culture. Also, my artwork was appreciated but not always understood, fortunately, I was always able to sell it one way or the other. I realized that to survive as an artist I had to understand the local art scene and mentality. Through the help of some Chicago artists such as Ed Paschke, Tim Anderson, Bruce Thorn, Thomas Masters and many others I ended up have a better knowledge and comprehension of this vast tribe. The difficult part has been for me that I was used to evolving in an area where everybody is concentrated in the much-restrained area and where it’s easy to go from one to another, in Chicago because of the geography things are more scattered and it requires more effort to keep connected between artists.

Today, I see my situation as ironic, in Chicago, I am the French (artist) and in Paris, I am an American… I feel that I belong to none and to both at the same time, that can be a struggle.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My two main activities are to produce artworks and to teach, mainly to adults. I have three studios, One is in
Garfield park where I make 3D works, such as ceramic sculptures or sculptures made out of recycled materials.
Another one is situated on the north side and I do paintings, drawings, and prints there. Finally, I do have a studio in the French countryside. I am represented by a gallery in Chicago (Thomas Masters gallery) and other galleries in Europe. I also take part in art fairs all around the world. I constantly prospect for new exhibition opportunities and belong to artist groups in the US and in Europe.

For the last 12 years, my art is focusing on the theme of books and libraries, that’s what I am known for, my signature.

I must say, that I am proud to have a body of work that people can identify as David Gista’s work, I am proud to have created my own artistic brand.

The other thing that I feel good about is my teaching activity. I essentially teach adults and help people, not only to learn a technique but also to find their own voice, sharing my experience in doing so. I spend time and energy on each of my students, and when they are motivated and invested in the practice of art, I often have the satisfaction to see them flying on their own. I am then very proud to have been able to share my knowledge and my passion for another individual, that is extremely rewarding for me.

If something makes me different from others it’s, I think in all modesty, to have a singular voice, not following trends or fashion but rather expressing my vision with my own aesthetics.

What were you like growing up?
I had a kind of bohemian childhood, growing up in Paris. I was exposed very young to art and culture, visiting exhibitions and going to concerts, plays, and performances. My family was very well read and books were part of everyday life. From a very young age, I was debating with my family and friend about ideas, art, and politics. We were playing in the street, it was safe and neighborhoods felt like villages. We were not rich but somehow very happy, it was for me the time of recklessness. I was a dreamer and my bedroom was the place where I would try to implement my dreams. One of my means to do so was drawing and painting, creating every way I could imaginary worlds. It seems to have stuck…

Contact Info:

• Address: 319, Albany street Chicago, IL
• Website: www.davidgista.com
• Phone: 312 858 0542
• Email: davidgista@gmail.com
• Instagram: dgista
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.gista.7
• Twitter: dgista

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.