Anna Dominguez ’09 - The Queen of Tape

Anna Dominguez ’09 creates intriguing works of art entirely from multiple layers of colorful adhesive tape. Her work has been commissioned by several celebrities.

This article appeared in The Magazine of Dominican University (November 2019)



Anna Dominguez ’09 is garnering growing acclaim for her unique works of art, all of which are created using conventional adhesive tape in a kaleidoscope of colors. Known as "The Queen of Tape," she recently unveiled the first commissioned permanent piece of art for Chicago's trendy new St. Jane Hotel. The piece, a tribute to the hotel's namesake Jane Addams, revered social activist and founder of Hull House, incorporates 36 rolls of tape.



Dominguez was featured this spring in the Chicago Tribune, and in June executed her first live art piece during the U.S. women's soccer match against Chile at Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field.



Dominguez, who graduated with a degree in studio art and played on the women's soccer team, has created several pieces melding her love of sports, art and pop culture. She has done artwork for nonprofit charities, celebrities and professional athletes, including a piece she presented to U.S. soccer player Abby Wambach during her 2015 retirement ceremony at the Superdome in New Orleans. The event, which was seen by more than 26,000 people, was nerve-wracking but particularly special because of Dominguez's love of soccer.



She also has created portraits of Kaley Cuoco of the popular television series, the Big Bang Theory, Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears, boxers Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, U.S. beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor and television and film celebrities Rashida Jones and Tracee Ellis Ross.



Each of Dominguez's pictures can take more than 150 hours to create, depending on its detail and the extent of the layering process. Her favorite piece (so far) is the elaborate, regal portrait of tennis phenomenon Serena Williams, which incorporates empowering words in nine languages.



"I think that it's important to empower women all over the world, not just the U.S.," Dominguez explained. "I'm looking forward to doing more pieces that make a statement and reflect female empowerment."