Armonia

Biography

Thomas Diego Armonia (b. 1971) is from Genoa, Italy where he earned a degree in fashion design and costume, and later went on to the Higher Institute of Applied Arts in Padua, Italy. Armonia's works can be described as the elegance of a mastered technique, the result of a skillful mixture of greatness and refinement, the delicate duet of wealth entwined with grace, a subtle perfume full of traditional and modern artistic essences. Armonia pairs his vain, characteristically Chanel mademoiselles with the power and strength of Parisian statues, bringing together grace and strength. 

The artist portrays the faces of his ever-present protagonists emphasizing two traits that are universally recognized as symbols of sensuality: vibrantly expressive eyes, crowned by a nearly surreal garland of lashes; and the surface of the skin, so smooth that, if touched, it would surely feel like porcelain. These precious dolls appear static in their details, almost out of focus like in fashion photography, where only the brand has voice and resonance; and still, they are alive in their complexity. In these works there is an attempt to pair two different analytical positions: on the one hand we admire those faces, at times reminiscent of geishas or matrioskas, appearing natural, but removed from reality because deeply flawless and uniquely harmonious; on the other hand we examine an almost obsessive study of the architectural detail in all its visible facets. The synergy of these two positions results in an effect of comprehensive perfection that leaves us breathless.

Just like ethnologists, Thomas Diego stands as an observer of the populations of the world. With time, his experience and techniques evolved, and with them his sensitivity, pushed by different winds like a fearless caravel through the passionate swell of far-away seas. The artist has a modern approach to painting: his works are influenced by contemporary design; they are in harmony with the trends of the time and introduce the vision of an era of globalization where he realizes himself through the fusion of styles and cultures.

He is mentioned in the Mondadori catalog of modern and contemporary art and in the reference catalogs Artnet and Artprice. His worldwide fame is due in large part to his breaking into the Asian market.

Selected Exhibitions