Domingo Zapata is a Spanish-born artist (1974) who maintains studios at the historic Bowery Hotel in New York City, the legendary Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. He’s well-known for his works which explore themes of sexuality, opulence, and vitality. Texts and visual cues can also be included in his works that attracte many of the world’s most prestigious collectors. He’s an “artist to watch” and he will announce the details of his first museum show in the coming months.
1. Domingo, have you always wanted to become an artist? Who are the artists who have influenced in your youth or the works of art that have thrilled you?
“I have always been a painter, an artist throughout all of my life. I choose to do this fulltime now and all the experiences I had in the past have contributed to what I create today.
Paul Cezanne to me is the master of Modern art! From him Picasso developed and open all the new doors to my inspiration… I try to learn about Cezanne everyday looking for answers and bring it contemporary using today’s techniques.”
2 – You explore themes such as sexuality, opulence, vitality through colorful, bright and joyful paintings. What message would you like to pass on through your art?
“I am using a more urban approach with mixed-media, influenced by the streets near where I stay and the time I have spent in New York. I love using vintage posters and imagine what would happen to them if they were posted in the street. What would street artists do to them? How the weather might affect them.
Polo horses remind me of my youth and love for horses.
Bullfighting is a passion that I even practice when I go back to Spain at my friend El Litri’s estate (he is the best bullfighter in the world and one of the nicest people I know). He is my inspiration for this motif.
The Flamenco series I owe to designer Vicky Martin Berrocal, one of my muses. She introduced me to the deep sounds and magic of Flamenco, the beautiful colors of Andalucia and the soul that is called Duende…that is the miracle of flamenco. It’s really about taking past and present experiences and the inspirations I generate from the different places I’ve lived and visited and combining them. I love many things about many different places and try to hold on to them no matter where which city I am painting in at that moment.
My works explore a variety of themes, these are just a few of the stronger influences that come out often in my paintings because they are impactful within my life experiences and make impressions on me, this shape parts of my creative process.”
3 – One can say that some symbols (such as propeller planes, bullfighters, elephants…) are used chronically. Do they have any particular signification?
“These images all come from some kind of influence or inspiration I have had in my life. Certain symbols come out more in my works because they are more vivid in my mind and I paint freely so if it’s in my mind or heart it will find its way onto my canvas.”
4 – Without totally being a part of street art or graffiti art, your paintings seem to get close to those movements. Do you feel like belonging to any particular art movement?
“I don’t feel I belong to any single art movement. I feel like I am a combination of all movements.”
5 – Considering the art market and the evolution of the role of the artist in our society, what would be your advice to a young artist?
“Never give up on your passion. Create because you love it and you will be successful in happiness and reward.”
Thank you so much my dear Domingo! I wish you all the best and I can’t wait to see the new works…
“When I paint I like to express my feelings from beautiful dreams, moments, and experiences… I love to transmit those feelings that live inside of me and share it with the world…happiness a goal to every human being.” Domingo Zapata
Like Haute Living New York? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingNY. Want Haute Living New York delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.
Born and raised in Paris, Delphine De Causans decided to move to NY after graduating from the Sorbonne where she got a master degree in social sciences and history of art mention contemporary art. Once in New York she went to the Christies School and she got a certificate degree. She used to work as an intern during all her studies for an auction house, several galleries and art dealers in both Paris and New York. She’s now working on her first book which is dedicated to contemporary art in general
http://delphinedecausans.blogspot.com/
www.dzapata.com
