10 Questions: Dominique Knowles

By in Random Bits of Interest on July 20, 2014


Local artist Dominique Knowles answers 10 questions from Guardian Arts&Culture. His work is currently displayed in a show entitled “Cygnus” at Popopstudios.

1. What’s been your most inspirational moment in the last 12 months?

It would definitely be the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Performing Objects studio workshop that I attended in January. The studio session allowed me to further explore the body (fellow artists’ and mine) as an artistic device, but in a more meditative and conceptual space, rather than in the theatrical and spirited mode present previous to this event. The theories and feelings proposed during this time informed my experimental videos thereafter.

2. What’s the most memorable artwork you’ve ever seen?

Perhaps the “Cloud Prototypes” by Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle is the most memorable artwork. I saw two at The Armory Show in New York then another in a gallery in Chicago. The form of the sculpture does not really change, so in my perspective they are one unit. Frankly, if I appreciate a piece, I will remember it, which makes most art pieces stand on leveled ground. There is also the difference between seeing art in person and experiencing it via media.

3. What was your last hipster moment about?

I would not consider this a “hipster” moment, but on Thursday I was painting in loose fitting denim to allow the splashes from the painting to land on my clothes, but my clothes rested on my body asymmetrically from all of the movement. I felt like I was wearing Yohji Yamamoto, so I said to my friend, “Maybe I will be worthy enough to wear Yohji’s clothes honestly”.

4. Who do you think is the most important Bahamian in the country’s history?

The late George William Mackey. He was quite charitable, but ultimately he made an innumerable amount of people happy, regardless of his or her background. He was not insular at all, and that is quite special – or the essence of humanity in its purest form.

5. What is your definition of beauty?

Fragility, trust, depth, one who consistently embodies one’s own aesthetic and a glowing body or spirit.

6. What are your top five films?

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Julian Schnabel, “Band of Outsiders” by Jean-Luc Godard, “Life of Pi” by Ang Lee, “Annie Hall” by Woody Allen and “Lost in Translation” by Sofia Coppola.

7. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, tomato, basil and pesto

8. What project are you working on right now?

Well, I am adding more pieces to the “Cygnus” series and an installation for another gallery pretty soon.

9. What’s the most annoying driving habit you’ve experienced on Nassau’s streets?

People drive dangerously close to animals (including horses).

10. What role does the artist have in society?

In regards to society, an artist can be political or social. Though I just want my art to make people feel something therapeutically or hysterically. The idea is to help develop human existence.

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