Diego Fazio, also known as artist DiegoKoi, was born in Lamezia Terme, Italy in 1989. He enters the world of art as a self-taught artist, who quickly developed a precise and refined technique. He began by drawing the Koi, a variety of carp from ancient China that was introduced to Japan. The Koi carp, in Japanese popular culture, is a symbol of love and friendship. In China, legend tells of a courageous and perseverant carp that managed to climb the waterfalls located at Dragon Gate, overcoming obstacles and evil spirits. The gods, impressed by its courage, transformed the carp into a dragon. Eventually, the carp became the symbol of those who aspire to do great things and are not afraid to face adversity. The young artist was fascinated with this carp and decided to include the word “Koi” in his name, which helped him find the motivation and the strength to continue on his journey, initially focusing on the eyes and faces of his subjects. DiegoKoi’s art, at first concentrated on drawings of Japanese style tattoos but over time as he developed his technique and rediscovered the delicacy and beauty of shading, set aside the coarse features of tattoos and focused on hyperrealism. As he developed, he turned his focus on drawing the human form, while giving it his own personal touch, which is expressed within each subject through carefully crafted lines that give rise to elastic, compact
figures and are supported by the shading and imagination of theartist. This technique transforms the work into a mixture of real and unreal. DiegoKoi’s ability to perceive the many shades of chiaroscuro, influences the artist to create contrasts, which touch the audience’s soul. He begins with the enhancement of feminine traits, bringing out the psyche of women through their eyes and folds of their faces, leaving the viewer to investigate the silent emotions being expressed. Next, he focuses on exposing faces that seem to scream with the despair and anger of present day society. With his unique ability and the characteristic elements of his technique, Diegokoi was able to make himself known in many areas of his native country. He has displayed his works at several exhibitions and has gained the recognition of ‘Audience Award Best Artist NonFermarti 2011’ and ‘Award painting section NonFermarti 2011’ that was accepted in person in the province of Cosenza at the artistic event NonFermarti 2011. In March 2012, among approximately 7000 participants from around the world, DiegoKoi was nominated for ‘International Art Award Laguna of Venice 2012’ with his work ‘Sentenza’. In the same year, he was nominated and was a finalist of one of the most prestigious awards in Italy, the ‘Cairo Award’ of Milan, with his work ‘Raptus’. The beginning of 2013 coincided with DiegoKoi’s media explosion, as he won the emerging artist award at the international contest ‘Limen’ of Vibo Valentia with his work ‘Luccicanza’. On January 25th, 2013, he launched his first international exhibition, entitled ‘Sensations’ (which is the name of his most famous work), in Singapore, at the prestigious international gallery Raffian Art (Singapore/ Russia/ Israel). On May 21th, 2013, DiegoKoi participated in ‘Wonder Works’ in Hong Kong edited by ‘The cat street gallery’ on Hollywood Road. In June 2013, he participated in his first action painting in Milan, at the historic store, Crespi and in August 2013, he performed in another action painting in Lucerne, Switzerland. Subsequently, on November 7th 2013, through the association ‘Sanado Heridas A.C’ several of DiegoKoi’s works were donated to a charity auction to help disadvantaged children in Mexico. On November 15th 2013, Diegokoi participated in person at another charity auction, at the court of Prince Albert of Monaco with his wife Princess Charlene, for the association ‘Monaa against autism’, founded by the Princess, to help children suffering from autism. On November 30th 2013, DiegoKoi’s exhibition launched at the Italian gallery ‘BeCause Art Space’, attended by numerous fans. To launch a new year in his career, on January 11th 2014, DiegoKoi participated in a collective exhibition at the renowned gallery ‘Jonathan Levine Gallery’ and most recently, on May 17th 2014, DiegoKoi participated in an action painting in Florence at the ‘Lory Art store’.
