Casanova
_________
Gabriel Jabbour, better known as CASANOVA, is a self-taught artist and graphic design graduate whose work radiates boldness and emotion. Known for his signature dripping eyes, vibrant colors, and stark black-and-white contrasts, his pieces are both dramatic and full of energy. From an early age, Casanova nurtured his natural talent for sketching and painting, dedicating countless hours to mastering various mediums and techniques. Deeply influenced by mass culture, he often explores themes of identity, weaving in elements of personal slang, movies, and cartoons to challenge perspectives and ignite conversation. Whether crafting large-scale portraits or intricate mixed-media works, Casanova’s art leaves a lasting impact on all who experience it.
Cartoons & Culture
_________
Growing up, Casanova was deeply influenced by anime, video games, and character culture. Many of his pieces vividly reflect this, drawing inspiration from the cartoonish figures of his youth to create imaginative worlds filled with playful, nostalgic characters. From childhood favorites like Dragon Ball, Batman, and the Super Mario Bros., Casanova’s art is a celebration of the colorful, dynamic universe of pop culture. His work taps into the power of childhood memories, inviting viewers—both young and old—into a joyful space where the past comes alive in bold, energetic forms.
Early Influences & Style
_________
Casanova's artistic journey began by sketching characters from his favorite comics, animated series, and cartoons. He transitioned to creating black-and-white portraits of iconic movie characters, influenced greatly by the works of Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, including classics such as Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, and The Godfather. Inspired by the "Funny How?" scene from Goodfellas, Casanova developed his distinctive "Smiley Face Signature," which conveys a range of emotions and incorporates spontaneous splashes and drips into his artwork. His exposure to street art and graffiti during his travels profoundly impacted his creative spirit, leading him to explore diverse techniques like stencils and mixed media.
Known for his black-and-white "Noir" approach, Casanova's artistic works often feature graphic violence and nudity, a tendency which has sometimes been balanced with his cartoon art. Despite this, Casanova's use of violence, has a significant impact on audiences and viewers. In his work, Casanova often incorporates aesthetic elements from his favourite filmmakers, blending movie quotes and visuals.
Casanova infuses his pieces with a unique sense of humor, prompting laughter from viewers. With a background in graphic design, branding and a passion for fashion, he combines graphic elements, posters and ads with art to craft mixed media works. Action painting, characterized by spontaneous splashes of paint onto the canvas, is a key element in his work. Casanova describes this process as allowing his artworks to come to life more fully formed.
His artwork features recurring motifs of dripping eyes and smiles, serving as his signature. Notably, his use of slang mirrors everyday conversations infused with popular culture references. His artistic style is profoundly influenced by his ability to absorb captivating characters, diverse cultures, and intriguing stories.
