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Add Fuel: between tradition and innovation in urban art

Origins and formation

Add Fuel, pseudonym of Diogo Machado, was born in 1980 in Cascais, Portugal. After studying Graphic Design at IADE - Creative University in Lisbon, he began his career working in several design studios in Portugal and Germany. This experience allowed him to refine his artistic vision, developing a style that mixes graphic design, illustration and decorative patterns.

Artistic evolution: from design to urban art

In 2007, Add Fuel decided to move away from commercial design and focus entirely on art, initially adopting the name “Add Fuel to the Fire”. His first artistic approach is characterized by dark tones and exuberant details, inspired by pop culture, video games, comic books and science fiction. However, over time, his style evolves toward a more decorative and conceptual direction.

The link with the tradition of azulejos

Attracted by the aesthetic potential of geometry and tessellations, Add Fuel shortened his pseudonym to “Add Fuel” and began exploring the tradition of azulejos, the iconic glazed ceramic tiles typical of Portugal. Through an innovative approach, he fuses contemporary urban art with ceramic tradition, creating works that combine decorative elements with a street art aesthetic.

An art that plays with perception

Add Fuel's work is a perfect balance of symmetrical repetitions, optical illusions and hypnotic patterns. His works recall classic azulejos but conceal unexpected details, visual deceptions, and a refined sense of symmetry and composition. The trompe-l'œil effect of his creations challenges the viewer's perception, inviting closer observation.

From the streets to the galleries: international success

Thanks to his ability to reinterpret Portuguese tradition in a modern key, Add Fuel quickly established himself on the international urban art scene. His works can be seen in murals, public installations and art galleries around the world. Some of his most important exhibitions include:

• “WE ARE” - Petit Palais, Paris, France (2024)
• “A P O P H E N I A” - Castanier Gallery, Miami, USA (2023)
• “URBAN (R)EVOLUTION” - Cordoaria Nacional, Lisbon, Portugal (2023)
• “BLINK” - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (2022)
• “The Crystal Ship” - Oostende, Belgium (2021)
• “Alter Ego” - Macau, China (2018)
• “Revolutions Per Minute” - Saatchi Gallery, London, UK (2017)

A bridge between the past and the future

Add Fuel's work is not a simple reinterpretation of traditional art, but a true dialogue between past and present. His artistic research aims to renew Portuguese cultural heritage, making it accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience. With his unmistakable style, he manages to transform the classic into something new and surprising, creating a visual language that connects history and modernity.

Add Fuel: Works for sale with prices and value from Wunderkammern

If you are interested in the artist, you can find Add Fuel's works for sale online at our website.

If you would like to know about Add Fuel's prices, value or which works will be exhibited, please do not hesitate to contact us by sending an e-mail to shop@wunderkammern.net.