Alexis Diaz is a Puerto Rican painter and urban muralist
Alexis Diaz is a Puerto Rican painter and urban muralist, known for his chimerical and dreamlike depictions of animals in a state of metamorphosis. Inhabited mostly by phantasmagorical animals. He has a preference for wild animals, specifically those living in the Savannah, as he blends them in a fantastical image with creatures from the depths of the oceans, replaces paws with tentacles and wings with hands.
Hailing from Porto Rico and now living in Florida, he has been drawing from a very young age but street art always caught his attention above traditional methods. Alexis turned to mural art and began creating his works in public spaces, he using a small brush and a lot of patience. Alexis creates most of his meticulous compositions freehand, line-by-line as he goes along.
Alexis first began to create murals in 2010, alongside his friend Juan Fernandez. Both artists are known for intricate line detail, splashes of vibrant color and the melding of fantastical animal imagery.
The street art scene in Puerto Rico was at the time very limited, only using typical spray cans, any other mediums were generally either completely missed or even frowned upon so Alexis felt quite limited. This was until he began to experience works by Keith Haring who was a big inspiration and encouragement. Looking back, Alexis still can’t believe how art changed his life. Now over 40 of his surreal murals can be found in more than two-dozen cities worldwide.
