Salvador Dominguez, a Chicago-based artist, reflects on the challenges of sharing his work with his family, who may not have the same background in Western art theory and history. In his series of hand-woven vessels titled “Mano de Obra,” Dominguez draws inspiration from his upbringing in southern California and Mexico, incorporating vibrant colors that serve as cultural markers.
Using accessible materials like pipe cleaners, Dominguez weaves each wire into functional vessels, transforming the value of the material and evoking memories of his childhood environment where craft and trade were intertwined. Recently, Dominguez has been teaching his mother, Silvia, the weaving techniques he developed, honoring her contributions and maintaining their connection through collaborative creativity.
To stay inspired, Dominguez collects domestic items like his mother’s hand-embroidered tortilleros and textiles from Indigenous artisans in Mexico, which influence the form, pattern, and palette of his work. This research has established a new relationship with familiar objects, enriching his artistic process.
Dominguez is gearing up for a group exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium in May with de boer gallery. For more of his work and updates, visit his website and Instagram. His unique approach to weaving and use of color continues to captivate viewers, bridging generational gaps and honoring his cultural heritage through art.
