Artist Spotlight: Madison Dominguez Norris

Throughout the month of November, many of you may have noticed a painting of a fallen angel just outside the main entrance of the high school library. Painted on a 30x40-inch canvas, Powerless depicts a fallen angel bent over with its lone gold-streaked wing, surrounded by darkness. Upon first seeing it, I was completely enamored. 

I sat down with the creator of this piece: Niskayuna’s very own Madison Dominguez Norris. She is a distinguished senior well-involved in our Arts Program, being a member of the National Art Honor Society and having taken a variety of Advanced Art classes at Niskayuna.

Samantha Cerezo: Can you tell us about what we see in this painting?

Madison Dominguez Norris: This is a mixed media painting. The body is made with oil paint and the background is acrylic paint. I also added shiny fabric at the halo and on the feathers to mimic the gold leaf detail that is seen in fantastical paintings in history.

SC: What was the creative process for this work like? Did you know that you wanted the painting to be like this right away or did you have to think about it for a while?

MDN: I bought the ginormous canvas and was planning to put some sort of person on it. However, I wanted to really take my time with my concept before painting on it because I was afraid that I would mess up. This resulted in me staring at the blank canvas for quite some time, just processing its space and visualizing what shapes and colors would fit. 

SC: What is the meaning behind this artwork? What do you want us to take away from it?

MDN:  In Powerless, I illustrated what it’s like to rely solely on myself and my own strength. When I struggle and feel low, it’s as though I’ve failed myself after having put so much pressure on myself to be unbreakable. I juxtaposed the hurt angel with the magnificence of angels in the historic portrayal. Harsh lighting was used in a confrontational manner that exacerbates the figure in humility. This piece is obviously very personal to me, and so I never expected it to be placed so publicly. I felt quite vulnerable passing by it in the halls. 

SC: As you know, I follow your art account on Instagram. Would you like to share your username with the rest of us and also elaborate on some of your other works? 

MDN: @crystalqueer_artistry, and support local artists!

SC: Thank you very much, Madison. I really admire your works and look forward to more. I’m sure many others do as well.

Senior Madison Dominguez Norris posing with her painting Powerless.

Photo Credits: Samantha Cerezo