Hello Monaco #15 Summer–Autumn 2022 | Page 47

WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO
The exhibition “ Mona Lisa and I ” at G & M Design Gallery lasted till 4 th June
HelloMomaco : The press calls you ‘ the next Andy Warhol ’. What do you think about that ?
Domingo Zapata : I think it ’ s a big honour and it ’ s a big responsibility , but I appreciate it . However , I still have a lot to work on and a lot to prove before I can be the next Andy Warhol . But it ’ s motivating , it helps you believe in yourself and it ’ s great .
: Who has inspired you ?
DZ : I ’ m always inspired by Picasso , I ’ m inspired by Warhol . I ’ m from Spain , but I live in New York , so the contrast of cultures , from Velasquez , Goya , Picasso ; and then you go to New York and it ’ s Warhol , Basquiat , Pollock , so it ’ s a mix . And then there ’ s the graffiti in the streets . Everything inspires me .
: Do you come from an artistic family ?
DZ : Well , not really . My father was painting cars , he had a car shop . My mom was a tailor . But my brother is also an artist .
: When did you realize that you would like to be an artist ?
DZ : You know , I always wanted to be an artist , it ’ s just that I never thought I would have an opportunity or a chance to be one . You ’ re always an artist but it ’ s difficult to say , ‘ I ’ m going to risk everything to be an artist ,’ it ’ s a difficult life . But eventually , with time , I was lucky to
have the right people around me who pushed me and helped me , and it happened .
: Who pushed you ?
DZ : There are so many people I have to thank , that I would be here all night . But George Soros was one of the first collectors I had . And through that , people like Pat Riley , in sports , people like Leonardo DiCaprio , Johnny Depp . So many people that were buying the work and promoting and helping . It ’ s twenty years of history .
: Do you have a motto ?
DZ : Yes . I say , ‘ I don ’ t know how to make this world a better place , but I know how
Flores Azules — Buy Me Flowers In Paris
Detail of the work Marilyn All You Need Is Love Blue
Detail of the work El Matador Rojo III
Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2022 / 45 www . hellomonaco . com