


J. Roberto Diago Cuban, b. 1971
(Small strips of canvas painted individually and collaged on canvas)
304.8 x 200.66 cm
Further images
His keloid canvas-on-canvas pieces are particularly striking, as they reference both physical and metaphorical scars, connecting deeply with the history of the African diaspora and the lasting wounds of colonialism and slavery.
By layering and distressing canvases, Diago creates surfaces that mimic the appearance of keloid scars—raised marks that often appear on dark skin as a result of deep wounds. This technique serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience and endurance of Afro-descendant communities. His compositions often incorporate rough stitching, overlapping fabrics, and muted earth tones, reinforcing a sense of historical layering and healing.