ABOUT
James 113 ( Diego Dominguez )
Born in the USA and raised in Venezuela, 40 years as Artist, studied Illustration, Art, and Design at the Villamil Academy and the Ateneo de Caracas 1984 Dictated by Parson's Professors. In early 1987, I moved to NYC. However, by 1991, after facing personal and health challenges and losing everything, I ended up living on the streets of New York City, including periods at The River View Welfare House. By early 1992, thanks to the help of Zia Zipring, I managed to get off the streets and ultimately reinvent myself with a fresh perspective.
"I am not a painter who paints, but a fractured soul that bleeds nightmares onto a canvas. If I speak, my voice will falter; I will crumble. Let the words on paper and the paintings on the wall narrate the saga of a troubled life, the endless struggle of the heart. Each piece is merely a glimpse from the window of my mind's room."
EARLY WORK
LITERATURE:
While living on the streets of NYC and at The River View House, Dominguez penned a manuscript detailing his experiences, which Versal Editorial in Massachusetts later published after he entered a poetry contest. His other works include the poetry anthology "Las Caras Del Amor," published by CBH Books, and he has won several poetry contests such as "Desenso" by El Correo del Pueblo (Argentina), "Retiro" by Editorial Somos Miami, "Averno" in the Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Poetry Anthology (Argentina), and is set to release "Cuervos Malditos" in 2024, a self-published book featuring his poetry and paintings that chronicle his time on the streets of NYC.
ART WORK:
Dominguez began painting around 2010, concentrating primarily on crows, inspired by the birds that frequented the small window of the Welfare house, The River View. Later, Dominguez embarked on the paintings that would be featured in his 2024 book "Cuervos Malditos." as well as at the Swiss Art Expo Zurich 6.0 and in Artist Closeup Magazine in Amsterdam. In June 2024, Dominguez held his first solo exhibition at the Miami Ironside Gallery and will be a part of the Holy Art Exhibition in Barcelona in Summer 2024
DESIGN:
Under the label James 113 Women's Ready to Wear, Diego Dominguez stands out as a creative fashion designer known for his experimental appeal and edgy approach. His unique, non-conventional, and deconstructive designs are exclusive, often one-of-a-kind, and handmade, encompassing street fashion, prêt-à-porter, and couture. With stores in New York, Miami Beach, and the Miami Design District now closed, his work is showcased on his Instagram account @James113official.
Dominguez began his design career in 1983 with a focus on Post-Punk and Urban styles. In 1985, after completing his studies in Design and Art in Venezuela, he launched his first collection as a Haute Couture designer. Dominguez has successfully bridged the gap between his Post-Punk roots and the glamorous realms of Couture and Prêt-à-Porter, developing an experimental style that infused his early work with a distinctive concept. This deconstructive approach remains evident in his latest creations.
Dominguez's early work encompasses designs for his own couture brand and collections for brands like Backard in Venezuela. He organized and participated in numerous fashion shows in Venezuela, Miami, and New York, including the New York Fashion Week in the late '80s and early '90s. Recently, he was invited by the FDLA to NYFW 2018 to showcase SS19, Art Basel 2019, FLL Fashion Week, and Madonna's AIDS Benefit The Beach Ball in 1989. Dominguez has collaborated with master tailor Domenico Beltrone, worked for British designer Paul Smith in New York, and designed for local New York-based designers. His media presence includes an interview by NY1 News Channel during 2018 NYFW, a press conference at Google headquarters during 2018 NYFW, and features in many Venezuelan and US magazines such as BAZAR, VOGUE, VIBE Mag., OFFICIEL, GRAZIA, THIS BITCH, DETAILS, SOLSTICE (cover), Sports Wear International, OCEAN BLUE, COSMOPOLITAN Mexico, DNR, 7 HUES (cover), MEN'S, VIBE, MIAMI, JUTE, ELEMENTS, LUCY's, ISSUE, MIX, AVENTURA, VELVET, ATLAS, LAPALME, PULP, VULKAN, VANITY TEEN, and other publications, as well as newspapers, editorials, covers, and stories. Dominguez has also designed for many celebrities and red carpet events, including the Grammys and Billboard Awards..
