ADD FUEL is the artistic persona of Diogo Machado, a Portuguese visual artist born in 1980. Machado graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from Lisbon's IADE – Creative University. After working in design studios in Portugal for several years, he spent eight months in Munich, Germany, before fully dedicating himself to his artistic endeavors starting in 2007.

Originally known as Add Fuel to the Fire, Machado established a distinct visual style characterized by a dark yet vibrant universe populated by a cast of eccentric, joyful creatures. His influences range from video games, comics, and animation to sci-fi, designer toys, and urban visual culture.

In 2008, drawn to the aesthetic possibilities of symmetrical patterning and tessellations, Machado shortened his moniker to Add Fuel and began exploring and reinterpreting traditional tile design, particularly the Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic azulejo. His current artistic practice seamlessly merges traditional decorative elements with contemporary visual cues, resulting in new forms that showcase remarkable complexity and meticulous attention to detail.

While his work may initially appear to be a homage to classic formalism, closer examination reveals a chaotic world of original motifs and characters filled with deep emotions. Machado's compositions utilize symmetrical repetitions, layering techniques, and visual illusions such as trompe-l'œil to create a poetic rhythm that engages viewers and invites multiple interpretations.

Machado's artistic exploration spans a broad spectrum of manual and digital techniques, encompassing drawing, painting, ceramics, and printing. His practice represents a sophisticated dialogue between the past and present, bridging heritage with modernity.

In addition to numerous public art projects in various countries, Machado's work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at esteemed galleries and museums worldwide.

Diogo Machado currently resides and works in Cascais, Portugal.

Add Fuel

Portuguese

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Artist

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This Connection