Add Fuel

ADD FUEL, born Diogo Machado in 1980, is a Portuguese visual artist and illustrator. He graduated in graphic design from IADE – Institute of Visual Arts, Design, and Marketing in Lisbon. Since 2007, he has focused entirely on his artistic work. Initially known as “Add Fuel to the Fire,” he created a vibrant visual universe influenced by video games, comics, animation, science fiction, designer toys, and urban visual culture. In 2008, fascinated by the aesthetic possibilities of patterns, particularly symmetrical mosaics, heshortened his nickname and reinterpreted the language of traditional tile craftsmanship, especially that of glazed Portuguese ceramics.

His current artistic approach effortlessly blends traditional decorative elements with contemporary visual cues, revealing impressive complexity and meticulous attention to detail. Through symmetrical repetitions, layered accumulation, and visual illusion techniques like trompe-l’oeil, he creates balance and harmony. His
multi-layered pattern compositions evoke a poetic rhythm, inviting varied interpretations and engaging the viewer’s perception. Exploring various manual and digital techniques acrossdrawing, painting, ceramics, and screen printing, his practice embodies a sophisticated dialogue between heritage and modernity.