Walt Cassidy is a multimedia artist and writer based in Brooklyn, New York. His explorative and allegorical work incorporates photography, drawing, sculpture, painting, design and jewelry. Throughout the 1990’s, as a teenager, Walt Cassidy, then called Waltpaper, was at the center of the New York City Club Kids. The group was a definitive force in New York City’s underground club culture and made long-lasting contributions to mainstream art and fashion.
His book New York: Club Kids, was published this month by Damiani, and is the first comprehensive visual document of the decade’s colorful nightlife and street culture. The book grants special access to an underground world, providing exclusive insight into the lifestyle of this celebrated and notorious clique. Featuring rare and previously unseen photographs along with magazine editorials and ephemera, the book culls from the personal archives of various photographers and artists who participated in the scene.
Debuting at the same time are his Opening Ceremony x New York: Club Kids by Waltpaper clothing and MAC cosmetics collaborations. The OC collection uses new graphic motifs by the artists Gregory Homs and Dolphina Jones who once designed club logos and are featured in the book.
The artwork of Walt Cassidy has been exhibited at MASS MOCA; Paul Kasmin Gallery; Deitch Projects; 303 Gallery; Torrance Art Museum; Watermill Center; Vox Populi; Miami Basel Artfair; Leslie-Lohman Museum, and Invisible Exports.
In 2014, Walt Cassidy Studio was established as a jewelry brand, and has expanded to include interiors-based murals. Walt Cassidy Studio has collaborated with the Brazilian brand Melissa, produced editions with The Long Life China Company, and designed the jewelry for Derek Lam’s Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. The jewelry works have been featured at Laloon, The Limited Edition Miami Beach and currently at The Feathered in Mexico City and Maison 10 in New York City.
Name : Walt Cassidy @waltcassidy / Waltpaper @therealwaltpaper
Birthplace : California
Métier : Artist
Sources of inspiration : The desire to create my own world.
Sources of motivation : Evolution.
What makes you happy : A new idea.
Favorite reads : Air Guitar by Dave Hickey
Favorite tunes : Leon Bridges, Dead Can Dance
Favorite foods : Cheeseburger with Sweet Potato Fries
Beauty tips : Olive Oil for face, body, beard, hair and sex. Coconut oil mixed with coffee grinds as an exfoliant. Homemade toothpaste and deodorant.
Favorite ways to unwind : Daily Meditation. I do the Chopra Center 21 Day Programs, rotating through different topics.
What gets you in a working flow : A deadline.
What are you working on now : Now that my book NEW YORK: CLUB KIDS has launched, I am in talks about possible projects stemming from it’s release. Having given up my studio practice for the past year, while making the book, I am keen to get back to making my jewelry, silkscreens and murals.
Favorite motto / quote : “Your creativity is your gift. It will get you over every obstacle in life.” My father’s spirit told me this during meditation.
Fashion editorial featuring Opening Ceremony x New York: Club Kids by Waltpaper :
All portraiture, still life and fashion photography by Jason Rodgers @jasonrodersphoto
Modeled on Downtown NYC it-girl Lumia Nocito @lumia.nocito
Make-up by Tracy Alfajora @tracyalfajora
Styling by Masha Orlov @masha_orlov
Thank you to No Agency NYC @noagency.nyc
