Juano Diaz is an artist who has garnered a reputation for his unique style that combines digital images and painting. He has worked with a myriad of renowned designers and artists such as Gilbert and George, David La Chappelle, and Pierre et Giles. He has also captured the images of celebrities such as Grace Jones, Madonna, and Pharrell Williams.
However, his story didn’t start in the art world. Born in Glasgow in 1977, he grew up in poverty. Abandoned by his addict mother, he was sent into care when he was four years old and spent most of his early years in the Glen Rosa children’s home. Despite the challenging environment, Diaz found solace in drawing and painting, particularly in portraiture.
As a young man, Diaz moved to Paris and modeled for the likes of Pierre et Giles and the late Thierry Mugler. It was during this time he adopted his true name, Juano, taking it from his South African father. Although his attempts to gain entry into art school failed, he continued to develop his unique style that combines layers of paint on digital images and has become known for its vibrant and colorful nature.
Diaz has gone on to exhibit his work in galleries across the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He counts Grace Jones among his friends and was commissioned to create a piece for her son. Diaz has recently published his memoirs, titled Slum Boy: A Portrait, in which he looks back on his life of hardship, inspired by his traumatic experiences in the Glen Rosa children’s home. Diaz still continues to create his artwork, which is inspired by his diverse heritage, and he remains grateful for the chance life has given him
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