domzilla: intersecting Culture and Creativity

featured artist.

DOMZILLA

Dominique Jones, known as DomZilla, is not your conventional artist. Hailing from the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, he is on the rise as multidisciplinary artistry. His journey is shaped by a unique blend of influences—from the black women who raised him to the vibrant world of cartoons that captured his imagination.

"I come from a very small family that consisted of majority women and a few uncles sprinkled into the mix," Jones reflects on his upbringing. "I witnessed what my mother, aunties, and grandmothers went through as I grew up and learned from a perspective that goes unappreciated even until this day."

His current focus:

“[I’m working on] …a collection titled "Primary People", I explore the ideas of the original people, the people of African descent through color and shape.”

In his artistic practice, Jones merges elements from classic Western cartoons with surrealistic African figures, creating a visual language that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking. "Cartoons continue to play a huge role in shaping what I'm interested in," he shares. "From Chuck Jones to Bruce Smith, there is no bearing as to what inspires me in that world."

Jones's work delves into themes of identity and heritage, particularly in his ongoing collection entitled "Primary People." "I explore the ideas of the original people being people of African descent through color and shape," Jones explains. "I enjoy thinking about these ideas and love building onto them."

Looking ahead, Jones has his sights set on ambitious project—an animated series that explores music history, Afrofuturism, and the origins of the term. "More details on that later in the year," he teases, hinting at the excitement to come.

On approach:

“I tend to pull elements from classic western toons and apply them to more surrealistic African figures, seamlessly converging the two. ”

For Jones, the ultimate dream project involves animated paintings adorning a wall—no NFTs, just pure artistic expression. "My dream project is to have animated paintings on a wall," he shares, leaving a tantalizing glimpse into his vision for the future.

Despite his undeniable talent, Jones's journey in the arts has not been without its challenges. "I didn't find out about art communities until my late 20s," he reveals. "Essentially, I was alone on this art journey. Not a single artistic friend/colleague." Building a community and finding avenues that align with his artistic vision remain ongoing challenges for Jones.

As Domzilla continues to push the boundaries of creativity and explore the rich tapestry of culture and identity, one thing is certain—he is a visionary artist poised to make a lasting impact on the world of contemporary art.

Navigating Identity: The Artistic Journey of Arnaya Needleman

featured artist.

Arnaya Needleman

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary art, emerging artist Arnaya Needleman from Boston presents a journey shaped by authenticity and resilience. Her artistic path, deeply rooted in personal experiences and cultural heritage, offers a sincere exploration of identity and social themes.

"Art has served as my voice, empowering me to navigate the complexities of my identity and advocate for race and justice," shares Needleman. Through her creative expressions, she celebrates the beauty of her lived experiences while highlighting the potential of art as a tool for social change.

On her audience:

“I hope they can feel connected in any way. Whether it’s through pain or happiness or any emotional experience, I hope my paintings help find it. Once someone can find the feeling and identify it, you can better express it and share.”

What distinguishes Needleman's approach is her commitment to simplicity and sincerity. With a background in criminal and social justice, she finds beauty in life's intricacies and embraces a self-taught journey marked by authenticity. "I've had the freedom to find beauty in the messiness of life and the importance of embracing simplicity," she explains.

Looking beyond the canvas, Needleman envisions art as a tool for fostering connection and well-being. Her dream projects include integrating art therapy into diverse settings, aiming to enhance collaboration and empathy within communities. "Art has been providing that connection to me, and my hope is that it does the same for others," she emphasizes.

On creating impact:

“My most revolutionary act to date has been to pursue my art unapologetically, staying true to myself and my vision, with the goal of achieving success on my own terms.”

While navigating the transition from a conventional career to the world of art, Needleman encounters challenges familiar to many emerging artists. Balancing artistic freedom with the demands of networking and recognition poses a continuous journey of learning and adaptation. Yet, her determination remains unwavering as she seeks to carve her path in the competitive art world.

As Needleman prepares for her upcoming participation in the jazz and arts festival, audiences can anticipate encountering a collection that reflects her journey—an authentic collection woven from personal experiences and aspirations. It's a glimpse into the evolving narrative of an emerging artist, inviting viewers to engage in introspection and empathy.

In the realm of contemporary art, Arnaya stands as a testament to the power of sincerity and the transformative potential of expression. Through her work, she invites us to explore the complexities of identity and embrace the beauty of genuine connection—a journey characterized by humility, authenticity, and a shared pursuit of understanding.