Add Fuel

Add Fuel is the Portuguese visual artist Diogo Machado (b. 1980). Graduated in Graphic Design by IADE, since 2007 he dedicates himself exclusively to his artistic work. At first with the full name Add Fuel to the Fire, he created a dark and lush visual universe, populated by slimy, eccentric and cheerful creatures, influenced by a variety of interests ranging from videogames to cartoons, from animation to science fiction, from design toys to urban visual culture.

In 2008, fascinated by the aesthetic possibilities of symmetrical patterns, he shortened the name for Add Fuel and began to direct his work towards the reinterpretation of the traditional tile design language, of Portuguese glazed ceramic tiles in particular. Blending two seemingly opposite visual expressions, his work combines traditional decorative elements with contemporary visual references in new complex shapes with rich details.

Small and medium sized tile panels, large scale stencils, handpainted murals and printed editions are part of his artistic journey, which, if at first glance may seem a simple pastiche of classical formalism, with a more detailed observation reveals a chaotic and original world of motif and characters with deep emotions. It is from this game with the viewer's perception and the multiple possibilities of interpretation that the poetic rhythm of his work is born.

Besides the numerous public artistic interventions that took place in several countries, he has also presented his work in individual and collective exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums.