Add Fuel is the artistic moniker of Portuguese contemporary artist Diogo Machado. Renowned for his innovative approach to traditional artforms, he is known for his intricate patterns, bold reinterpretations, and meticulous attention to detail—crafting multilayered compositions that bridge the timeless elegance of heritage with contemporary visual culture.

Born in Cascais, Portugal, his artistic journey began early on, with a fascination for drawing and a love for creating imaginary worlds. Influenced by the aesthetics of skateboarding culture, punk rock, graffiti, video games, and cartoons, his art embodies the dynamic energy of urban life while offering fresh and forward-thinking perspectives on cultural identity.

In 2008, captivated by the geometry, rhythm, and cultural richness of Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic azulejos, Add Fuel began exploring and reimagining this age-old art form. His tile-inspired works seamlessly blend classical decorative elements with a distinctly contemporary sensibility, creating compositions that are both visually engaging and conceptually profound. Through techniques that include symmetrical repetition, trompe-l'œil, and layered patterning, he invites the viewer to uncover hidden narratives and reflect on what lies beneath the surface of his intricate designs.

Working across various media, from small-scale tile panels to monumental murals, bespoke ceramic installations, sculptures, and limited-edition prints, Add Fuel has redefined azulejo art as a medium for storytelling and cultural exploration. His public art interventions can be found across Portugal, France, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Italy, and Tunisia, among many other locations around the globe. Each intervention reflects his commitment to connecting communities with their cultural heritage while transforming urban spaces into dynamic territories for interaction and reflection.

Add Fuel has shown his work extensively in solo and group exhibitions at prestigious institutions, including the Petit Palais and Galerie Itinerrance in Paris, StolenSpace Gallery and Saatchi Gallery in London, Wynwood Walls and Fabien Castanier Gallery in Miami, Subliminal Projects in Los Angeles, as well as the National Tile Museum and Underdogs Gallery in Lisbon. His exhibitions celebrate the complex layers and multifaceted narratives within his work, encouraging audiences to engage with and explore both its aesthetic beauty and cultural resonance.