Archives of American Art
Humberto Dionisio papers
Dionisio, Humberto, 1950-1987
AAA.dionhumb
Archival Resource Key
2.7 Linear feet
1919-1990
The papers of Cuban born American painter Humberto Dionisio measure 2.7 linear feet and date from 1919 to 1990. The collection primarily documents Dionisio's relationships with his family, particularly his mother, through letters, photographs, financial records, printed material, and family memorabilia collected by Dionisio himself and by his mother, Zaida Ortega Dominguez.
The records are in English and Spanish.
Biographical Note
Humberto Dionisio was born in Cuba in 1950. During the 1970s he became a noted poster artist and completed his studies in Graphic Design at the Consejo Nacional de Cultura in Cuba in 1975. He arrived in Miami, Florida, via the Mariel boat lift in 1980, and achieved success in Miami as a painter from the mid to late 1980s. He died in March 1987 at the age of thirty-six.
Scope and Content Note
The collection measures 2.7 linear feet, dates from 1919 to 1990, and includes letters, photographs, financial records, printed material, and family memorabilia. The papers of Dionisio primarily document his relationships with other family members and friends through photographs and letters received from his mother, Zaida Ortega Dominguez, and others. The collection also contains papers, photographs and original sketches (by Dominguez) collected by Dominguez herself which were in Dionisio's care. Papers relating specifically to Dionisio's work as an artist are represented to a lesser degree in this collection and consist primarily of printed material and photographs of Dionisio at work and at an exhibition of his work. There is also one original watercolor by Dionisio from 1985.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into two series. Each series is arranged into subseries according to record type.
Missing Title
- Series 1: Humberto Dionisio Papers, 1926-1990, undated (Boxes 1-3; 1.7 linear feet)
- Series 2: Zaida Ortega Dominguez Papers, 1919-circa 1980s, undated (Boxes 4-6; 0.9 linear feet)
Provenance
The Humberto Dionisio papers were donated by Jim Kitchens, a friend of Dionisio, in 1996.
Restrictions on Access
The collection is open for research. Use requires an appointment and is limited to the Washington, D.C. research facility.
Terms of Use
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Preferred Citation
Humberto Dionisio papers, 1919-1990. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Rosa M. Fernández in 1997.
Latino and Latin American artists
Cuba -- Social life and customs
Cuban Americans -- Florida -- Miami
Cuban American art
Expatriate artists -- Florida -- Miami
Artists -- Cuba
Cuban American artists
Photographs
Saavedra, Nelia Dominguez
Rodriguez, Zoraida
Dominquez, Zaida Ortega
Humberto Dionisio Papers
Series 1
Archival Resource Key
1.7 Linear feet
Boxes 1-3
1926-1990, undated
Scope and Contents note
The bulk of this series consists of letters and photographs. Letters are primarily from Dionisio's mother, Zaida Ortega Dominguez, and are generally in Spanish.
Arrangement note
The series is arranged into eight subseries. - 1.1: Biographical Material, 1974-1987, undated
- 1.2: Letters, 1980-1987, undated
- 1.3: Business Papers, 1980-1986
- 1.4: Notes, undated
- 1.5: Writings, 1978-1980, undated
- 1.6: Clippings, 1975-1990, undated
- 1.7: Photographs, 1950-1984, undated
- 1.8: Michael Ford File, 1926, 1951, 1987-1990, undated
Biographical Material
1.1
Archival Resource Key
1974-1987, undated
Scope and Contents note
The biographical material found in this subseries consists primarily of the contents of two wallets, including photographs of Dionisio and family members and identification cards. The subseries also contains diplomas and awards, a resumé, and financial and medical records.
Brown Wallet
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
1
Contents of Brown Wallet
Archival Resource Key
1983-1987, undated
1
2
Contents of Red Wallet
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
3
Diplomas and Awards
Archival Resource Key
1974-1979
1
4
Scope and Contents
See also OV 7.
Resumé
Archival Resource Key
circa 1980
1
5
Birth Certificate, Exit Papers
Archival Resource Key
1982
1
6
St. Kevins Catholic School, Dade County Public School
Archival Resource Key
1980-1982
1
7
Health Benefits Information
Archival Resource Key
1986
1
8
Income Tax Papers
Archival Resource Key
1982
1
9
Invoice from Bloomingdale's
Archival Resource Key
1985-1986
1
10
Unemployment Benefits
Archival Resource Key
1982
1
11
Miscellany
Archival Resource Key
1980s
1
12
Letters
1.2
Archival Resource Key
1980-1987, undated
Scope and Contents note
In addition to letters from Dionisio's mother, this subseries also contains letters from his grandmother, Nelia Dominguez Saavedra, and his cousin, dancer Zoraida Rodriguez, which were written between Dionisio's departure from Cuba in 1980 and his death in 1987. The letters frequently mention social and political events in Cuba and the envelopes are often decorated with colorful pictures of Cuban writers and political heroes, as well as fauna and flora of the island. Several letters include clippings from Cuban newspapers regarding art exhibitions and films. Letters from Zoraida Rodriguez include clippings and programs of the "Ballet de Camaguey" in which she was one of the principal dancers. Also found here are letters from Zaida Ortega Dominguez addressed to other family members living in Miami. Three letters from Dominguez to Dionisio, dated 1987, were received unopened.
Letters
Archival Resource Key
1980-1987
1
13-27
Letters from Lovers
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
28
Letters from Friends and Other Family
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
29
Letters from Dionisio to Grandmother
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
30
Greeting Cards to Dionisio
Archival Resource Key
1981-1986, undated
1
31
Business Papers
1.3
Archival Resource Key
1980-1986
Scope and Contents note
This subseries contains routine business and legal records.
Gene Barry Volkswagen
Archival Resource Key
1980
1
32
Crawford and Company (Attorneys)
Archival Resource Key
1981
1
33
Car Accident Papers
Archival Resource Key
1981
1
34
State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Archival Resource Key
1981
1
35
Utah Home Fire Insurance Company
Archival Resource Key
1981
1
36
Miscellany
Archival Resource Key
1980-1986
1
37
Notes
1.4
Archival Resource Key
circa 1990, undated
Scope and Contents note
This subseries contains guest and price lists for several exhibitions of Dionisio's work, including a 1990 retrospective exhibition at the InterAmerican Art Gallery. Handwritten notes, and lists of names and addresses can also be found here.
Guest Lists for Axes and Retrospective
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
38
Handwritten Notes
Archival Resource Key
1985, undated
1
39
List of Names and Addresses
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
40
Price Lists and Lists of Works in Humberto Dionisio Retrospective
Archival Resource Key
circa 1990
1
41
Writings
1.5
Archival Resource Key
1978-1980, undated
Scope and Contents note
This series contains several poems in addition to an essay by Giulio V. Blanc about Dionisio.
Writings by Giulio V. Blanc About Humberto Dionisio and the Expresiónes Hispanas Exhibition
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
42
Poems by Dionisio, for Dioniso, and for Damian by Carlos Manuel Ortego
Archival Resource Key
1978-1980
1
43
Printed Material
1.6
Archival Resource Key
1975-1990, undated
Scope and Contents note
Found here are clippings about Dionisio and other artists, exhibition announcements and catalogs, and handwritten and printed versions of a eulogy written for Dionisio by Carlos Alfonzo.
Clippings
Archival Resource Key
1976, 1982, 1990
1
44
Clippings
Clippings About Other Artists
Archival Resource Key
1987-1988
1
45
Exhibition Announcements and Invitations
Archival Resource Key
1986
1
46
Exhibition Announcements for Dionisio Exhibitions
Archival Resource Key
1987, 1990
1
47
Exhibition Catalog
Archival Resource Key
1975
1
48
Exhibition Announcements for Group Shows with Dionisio
Archival Resource Key
1986-1987
1
49
Carlos Alfonzo's Eulogy for Dionisio
Archival Resource Key
1987
1
50
Periodical El Mariel
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
51
Periodical El Mariel
Miscellaneous Printed Material
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
52
Photographs
1.7
Archival Resource Key
1950-1984, undated
Scope and Contents note
In addition to loose photographs of Dionisio with family and friends, this subseries contains two photograph albums of snapshots of Dionisio with family and friends, in addition to photographs of Dionisio at work, and at an exhibition of his work.
Loose Photographs from Albums
Archival Resource Key
1980-1981, undated
2
1
Loose Photographs from Albums
Two Photograph Albums
Archival Resource Key
1980-1981, undated
2
2
Two Photograph Albums
Archival Resource Key
1980-1981, undated
2
3
Photographs of Dionisio and Friends
Archival Resource Key
1981, 1984, undated
3
1
Photographs of Dionisio's Work
Archival Resource Key
1977, undated
3
2
Photographs of Dionisio's Work
Photographs of Dionisio's Calle Ocho
Archival Resource Key
undated
3
3
Photographs of Dionisio's Calle Ocho
Miscellaneous Photographs
Archival Resource Key
undated
3
4
Photographs of Dionisio and Immediate Family
Archival Resource Key
circa 1950-1955
3
5
Photographs of Dionisio Alone and with Friends and Family
Archival Resource Key
undated
3
6
Photographs of Dionisio
Archival Resource Key
undated
3
7
Photographs of Dionisio as a Child
Archival Resource Key
circa 1950-1954
3
8
Michael Ford File
1.8
Archival Resource Key
1926, 1951, 1985-1990, undated
Scope and Contents note
This subseries consists of a small amount of material kept by Michael Ford, a friend of Dionisio, including correspondence, photocopies of artwork, an original watercolor by Dioniso, and printed material.
Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1987, 1990
3
9
Color Photocopies of Artwork
Archival Resource Key
undated
3
10
Printed Material
Archival Resource Key
1926, 1951
3
11-13
Original Print by Unknown Artist
Archival Resource Key
undated
OV 7
Original Watercolor by Dionisio
Archival Resource Key
1985
OV 7
Zaida Ortega Dominguez Papers
Series 2
Archival Resource Key
0.9 Linear feet
Boxes 4-6
1919-circa 1980s, undated
Scope and Contents note
Papers of Dioniso's mother primarily consist of photographs of family and friends in addition to family memorabilia, artwork by Dominguez, letters, and printed material. Certain items relate to Dionisio's brother, Ricardo Padron Ortega, and his father, Humberto Ysidro Padron Fernández.
Arrangement note
- 2.1: Biographical Material, 1919-1980, undated
- 2.2: Letters and Printed Material, 1979-circa 1981, undated
- 2.3: Photographs, circa 1920-1980s, undated
- 2.4: Artwork, circa 1930s, 1972, undated
Biographical Material
2.1
Archival Resource Key
1919-1980, undated
Scope and Contents note
Found here are family records such as birth and marriage certificates and baby memorabilia.
Ricardo Padron Ortega Funeral Document and Doctor's Certificate
Archival Resource Key
1979
4
1
First Communion Certificate of Ricardo Padron Ortega
Archival Resource Key
1961
4
2
Ricardo Padron Ortega's Baby Book
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
3
Lock of Hair with Handwritten Note
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
4
Zaida Ortega Dominguez Birth Certificate
Archival Resource Key
1919 (stamped 1980)
4
5
Zaida Ortega Dominguez Marriage Certificate
Archival Resource Key
1949 (stamped 1979)
4
6
Humberto Ysidro Padron Fernández Birth Certificate
Archival Resource Key
1922 (signed 1968)
4
7
Letters and Printed Material
2.2
Archival Resource Key
1979-circa 1981, undated
Scope and Contents note
Found here are poems, greeting and sympathy cards, notes, and a clipping.
Poem from Ricardo Padron Ortega to Dominguez
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
8
Sympathy Card from Friends to Dominguez upon the Death of Ricardo Padron Ortega
Archival Resource Key
1979
4
9
Greeting Cards to Dominguez
Archival Resource Key
circa 1981
4
10
Handwritten Notes from Ricardo Padron Ortega to Dominguez
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
11
Clipping Concerning Bridal Shower of Friend
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
12
Photographs
2.3
Archival Resource Key
circa 1920-1980s, undated
Scope and Contents note
This subseries forms the bulk of the series and contains photographs of family and friends including Dionisio as an infant and throughout his life.
Portraits of Family and Friends
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930s-1980s
4
13
Photographs of Family and Friends, Group Shots
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930-1980s
4
14-15
Photographs of Family and Friends
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930s-1980s
4
16
Photographs of Children, Family and Friends
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930-1980s
4
17
Dominguez's Grade School Graduation Photographs
Archival Resource Key
circa 1926-1936
4
18
Photographs of Dominguez
Archival Resource Key
circa 1920-1980s
4
19
Polaroids of Family and Friends
Archival Resource Key
undated
4
20
Photographs of Dominguez and Humberto Ysidro Padron Fernández (Husband)
Archival Resource Key
circa 1940-1950s
5
1
Photographs of Dionisio's Brothers as Children
Archival Resource Key
circa 1952-1955
5
2
Photographs of Dominguez with Second Husband
Archival Resource Key
undated
5
3
Miscellaneous Photographs
Archival Resource Key
undated
5
4
Framed Photograph of Unidentified Man
Archival Resource Key
undated
6
1
Photographs of Baptism, Wedding, Bridal Shower and Dinner Banquet
Archival Resource Key
1945, 1953, undated
6
2
Photographs of Dominguez and Unidentified Woman
Archival Resource Key
undated
6
3
Artwork
2.4
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930s, 1972, undated
Scope and Contents note
This subseries consists of a group of original sketches and drawings by Dominguez, primarily of Hollywood personalities.
Original Drawings
Archival Resource Key
circa 1930s, 1972, undated
6
4-5