Bryan El Castillo Dominguez’ process is based on the deconstruction and reconstruction of layers of photographs and painting to create a fractured and emotionally charged image. Through a technique of collaging photographs on canvas and overpainting, the artist focuses on the identity in an ego-centric culture.
This body of work contemplates the effect of media, television and film on our psyche. The daily barrage of images can infiltrate the perception of one’s own identity, as shown through Bryan’s self-portraits. In a work entitled COINS, Bryan portrays himself in a dreamlike state with coins covering his eyes while holding a television set broadcasting an image of himself in a fetal position.
In another mixed media piece he stands lifeless with wires wrapped around his body, yet no visual understanding of where the strands of wires begin or where they end. The artist explores other individuals and scenes, such as a work entitled Lolita, inspired by the 1952 film by Stanley Kurbrick and adapted from the novel by Nabokov.
Self identity through media reference can develop into individual references. Bryan’s work utilizes references from film, television, painting and print media, sometimes projecting a film noir view. Iconic individuals such as Marilyn Monroe have been exposed in media. The actress is the focus in several paintings, whereby the artist dons a Marilyn wig and places his image side by side with Monroe.
In Bryan’s words: “These paintings are a reference to conscious and unconscious thought stemming from media images or technology which pervade or influence out cognition”.
When & where did you start painting?
I started painting when I was 12 years old, in Colorado.
What is bizarre to you and how do you relate it to your work?
I don’t really find anything bizarre, because nothing its really that’s strange it is just a matter of perception.
What is the source of your inspiration?
People & how we all as a whole, a society, react to our influences.
If you could compare your work to any genre of music, what would it be and why?
I would compare it to classical, instrumental music, because there are no words to describe it. It could be interpreted however you wish, therefore, is more true to yourself and your perception of the truth. The feeling of something should be more important than the words used to describe it.
Art is…
Anything that you find important enough to put thought into.