Layers of Emotion: The Art of Diogo Landô

NOTe FOR YOU , 2024 Mix-media on Acrylic Box 70 x 100 cm View Artwork Details "My work begins with emotion! An impulse born from a continuous need to create," states Diogo Landô, revealing the visceral foundation of his art, where feeling and intuition reign supreme. This assertion is not just the ethos of his practice but the catalyst driving the creation of works that defy conventional perspectives and invite viewers into a realm of layered meanings and emotions.Diogo Landô, a name synonymous with innovation in mixed-media artistry, hails from Portugal, where he adeptly navigates the contemporary art scene. A graduate of the Escola Superior Artística do Porto, Landô's background in art and communication as well as design has been instrumental in shaping his distinctive approach. His works reflect an amalgamation of classical references and modern aesthetics, creating a bridge between different eras and styles.At the core of Landô's work lies a fascination with the digital medium. He employs collage techniques, photo manipulation, and painting to forge images that are both familiar and intriguingly unstable. His oeuvre is an ongoing dialogue between the past and present, modernity and antiquity, a tension that captivates and challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface.Landô's journey into the world of art began in the vibrant, yet understated backdrops of Portugal. Growing up during the transformative 1990s, a period characterized by the shift from analog to digital, left an indelible mark on him. He reflects, "I was shaped by a strong appetite for creative and artistic mediums during a time when the world was shifting from analog to digital." This era fostered his admiration for figures like Dave McKean, whose pioneering work in blending digital and traditional techniques captured Landô's imagination during his formative years.His education at ESAP was pivotal, providing a multifaceted foundation that encompassed design, cinema, photography, and painting. Landô notes, "The course was related to design, cinema, photography, and included elements linked to painting, allowing me to experiment with various disciplines." Such an eclectic education encouraged Landô to explore and synthesize diverse artistic influences, empowering him to establish a practice characterized by its versatility and depth.As Landô's career unfolded, his works began to reflect the urban and cultural influences that had permeated his upbringing. "I'm from Portugal, and the global influences – American, Asian – reached us here," he explains, pointing to elements of hip hop, skate culture, and graffiti that seep into his art. These urban narratives, combined with historical motifs, create a rich tapestry that speaks to identity, emotion, and the human experience at large.In his artistic practice, Diogo Landô harnesses the potential of both analog and digital media. "I work primarily with mixed media, combining digital and analog processes," he says, embodying a modern sensibility that respects traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary innovation. His portfolio, including works like "Smile. Follow Your Dreams" and "LOVE OK," exemplifies his thematic exploration of pop culture, identity, and the fragmented nature of modern life.Landô's artistic statement reveals his intention to provoke reflection and push the boundaries of perception. He describes his process as one where "subtle visual displacements, through layering, fragmentation, or digital intervention, allow different interpretations to emerge." His art beckons viewers to engage actively, to dive into the ambiguities and complexities that each piece presents.Over the years, Landô has achieved significant recognition. His exhibitions, both solo and collective, have spanned continents, marking his presence in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Singapore, and beyond. Notable appearances include ArtMadrid, Art Much, and Frame Basel. His work has also been admired at prestigious venues like Galeria Aurora and Galeria Nuno Sacramento Arte Contemporânea, amongst others, earning him a residency at MAD Marvilla in 2024.The path of an artist is seldom without its hurdles, and Landô candidly acknowledges the challenges he has faced. He shares, "A vida do artista passa por altos e baixos e acho que todos temos um pouco o síndrome do impostor em determinadas alturas." Yet, it is his unwavering commitment to creation that propels him forward. "I continue to create because it's something I must do," he reflects, emphasizing the intrinsic role art plays in his life.Despite moments of doubt, Landô's dedication to his craft remains resolute. He often juggles multiple projects simultaneously, finding solace not in the completion of a work but in the journey of its creation. "I appreciate more what I experience during the process than the final work itself," he confesses, underscoring the importance of exploration and experimentation in his practice.Looking to the future, Diogo Landô remains driven by a desire to expand his artistic narrative, to explore new themes and media. He continues to work on pieces that encapsulate emotion, irony, and the multifaceted human experience. His ultimate aspiration is not just to create art but to leave a legacy of innovation and introspection that resonates with audiences worldwide.As Diogo Landô's oeuvre evolves, it poses poignant questions about identity, perception, and emotion, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery. His art serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human existence, urging acceptance of life's dualities and contradictions. In contemplating his works, one is prompted to reflect on their own narrative and the myriad layers that compose it. Discover more of Diogo Landô's work and available pieces on their Studio profile. View Diogo Landô's Profile