In Conversation with Domikriss

In the heart of Willesden, Domikriss's studio-turned-flat invites visitors into a realm where art, fashion, and pop culture intertwine.

In the heart of Willesden, Domikriss's studio-turned-flat invites visitors into a realm where art, fashion, and pop culture intertwine. With an impressive shoe collection featuring collaborations like Travis Scott x Nike and Skepta's SK Airs, his unique style is evident before even stepping through the door. Dominique Noirot, better known as Domikriss, born in Parakou in 1993, has embraced his creative upbringing, combining his Italian-French-Beninese heritage with a lifelong exposure to music and art. Graduating with a degree in product design, he gained recognition in Marseille's streetwear and art scene, organizing exhibitions and conventions. Seeking greater artistic opportunities, Domikriss found inspiration in London's thriving art scene and now freelances as a designer while pursuing his artistic ventures. With his iconic personified helmet, influenced by Star Wars and pop culture, he leaves a lasting impression. Domikriss's two permanent exhibitions, DunnoCurated in London and ChezNotorious in Aix-En-Provence, reflect his artistic prowess. Join me as I delve into Domikriss's creative journey and aspirations in this exclusive interview.

Sik: What was your inspiration behind the helmet and how does it represent your identity as an artist?

Domikriss: So basically, my inspiration behind the helmet is more about the pop culture, so I am interested in anything in pop culture, for example, Star Wars, and stuff like that so that's how it came from.

Sik: What's it made from?

Domikriss: Basically, it's 3D printed in plastic. 3D printing is most of the time one of my biggest tools in the art industry. I studied how to use the 3D machine.

Sik: Do you have one here?

Domikriss: No but I work with places that have one

Sik: How has your multicultural background influenced your style as an artist and your creative process?

Domikriss: I started being interested in art when I was very little, and I went to design school for 3 years so I had a diploma. That's where I studied the design process. That's my background in the art industry. But my background itself, I was born in Africa, so a lot into these artworks that are made by your hands and everything and I grew up and was raised in France. Through that background, I went to design school as I said. Product design, so using your hands to make things. That's where it came from.

Sik: What's a memorable experience or exhibition that has shaped you and your career so far as an artist?

Domikriss: I would say my biggest exhibition was in Marseille, my first one as an artist itself. It was kind of a consecration because people saw and knew what I was doing. They understood what my universe was and everything. As long as people like what you are doing, I think that means you're doing something right.

Sik: What led you to explore your different fields like graphics, 3D printing, and fashion, and how do they contribute to your overall vision?

Domikriss: I would say through design schools, these types of schools open up your mind enough to go into a lot of fields. But after of course, you need to go and explore by yourself. But I would say that background helps a lot. A lot.

Sik: Moving from Marseille to London must have been quite a big transition. How would you say that it has affected your work and your opportunities?

Domikriss: It was. It was because Marseilles is a small town with a very simple lifestyle like sunny things, going to the beach, enjoying your time when you are out. Here, it's more busy I would say. So that's how it leads my work. Growing I would say, like here you have more opportunities, more things to do. Obviously, I'm not forgetting Marseilles because I have an exhibition there, two actually right now. A permanent one, one in London, one in Marseille, so I'm doing both across.

Sik: How often do you go back to Marseilles:

Domikriss: Every six months, big maximum. I try to go more, for example, I'm going in June actually to see my exhibition and for the launch of my figure.

Sik: How would you say being a model and an artist intersect and influence each other as a creative?

Domikriss: I would say modelling is something that opened my mind up more to doing some things that I would not have done before, for example, music, I'm not a musician. But this is a good thing because at least I understand more of the creative process behind being a musician. Also for clothing, I understand more about the fabrics and how to do it, the labour behind it. And the communication is very important when you're doing modelling. Not all models, I would say, are interested in it, but I would say it's interesting.

Sik: What came first, being an artist, or modelling?

Domikriss: Being an artist came before, way before.

Sik: Do you have any upcoming collaborations or projects you're excited about and how do they align with your goals as an artist?

Domikriss: So I've got the launching, obviously, of my action figure. Upcoming projects, I've got a couple. Some shoots, but with shoots, it's like up-and-down, sometimes it's going, sometimes it's not. I've got a film I need to shoot and post on social media and put in my exhibitions. I've also got maybe a basketball to make, something like that. Yeah, I've got a couple of projects coming up.

Sik: Are there any specific themes or messages that you consistently explore within your work, and how do you hope your audience interprets and engages with your pieces?

Domikriss: My creative process is more about being inspired by pop culture, so I would say the biggest theme is pop culture itself, the whole thing. I can use anime, I can use Star Wars stuff, Lord of the Rings, any kind of thing. I think it helps for my audience to get into these things. Maybe. I hope so.

Sik: Do you have any advice or things you've learned on the way for aspiring artists looking to establish themselves?

Domikriss: Yeah, the biggest one is never give up, it's never too late, and don't ever say I'm gonna do it later, just do it. Yeah, that's the biggest advice. Most important.

You can find Domikriss here.