FRESH FRIDAY | RAFAEL DOMENECH

Miami-based artist, Rafael Domenech, is relatively new to the United States. His immigration from Cuba insinuates that he would express his culture through his art, however, Domenech finds more of his influence from Western ideas of Conceptualism. Although, Domenech's heritage versus his artistic inspiration is an interesting oddity in itself, his ideals about his materials is arresting.

Domenech's pieces can be seen as an end result, much like most work, however the process behind each piece should really be considered the art itself. As a completely hands on artist, Domenech purchases the materials, creates the piece, and most of the time installs the work himself. Throughout the process Domenech sees his creation of the piece as a representation of the endeavor itself. From his conversations to shop keepers while purchasing materials to documenting his plans and sketches, Domenech believes the industry of his project makes it the final product.

This organization and effort of each work is only compounded by the fact that his entire exhibitions are connected as well. In his most recent show at Fredric Snitzer Gallery, Domenech references a German astrology book that he uses as an organizational map for his show. As similar to stars within a constellation, Domenech attempts to create a chaotic universe through the interaction of his pieces. His large interest in process, the journey of creation comparably associates with his interest in space, time, and the big wide universe. The tedious nature of his artistic practice that builds upon itself to produce an even larger assertion is the conceptual foundation of Domenech's work.