Tiago (40)
New York, New York

Becoming His Painting- Life Imitates Art

Meet Tiago, a man whose life has been a canvas of transformation, both artistically and physically. Born in the remote islands of the Azores off the
coast of Portugal, Tiago struggled with insecurities from a young age, feeling like he never quite fit into his small island community. At the tender age of
14, he underwent plastic surgery, which bestowed upon him the high cheekbones he believed he needed to finally feel confident. He was a sensitive and misunderstood boy, who felt disconnected and different. Only his mother truly believed him when he said he wanted the procedure. It was she who was the pioneering force that allowed him to get the cheek bones. Tiago said that surgery made him become himself and gave him the gift of confidence, doing what years of therapy couldn’t do. From there, Tiago started a journey of becoming his “true, physical self.”

His journey took an unexpected turn when he relocated to New York City with like-minded people from all over the world. Here, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Tiago found work in architecture and design. Yet, it was in the depths of his soul that his true passion lay dormant:painting. Driven by an innate creativity that refused to be silenced, Tiago discovered his calling as a painter. However, one image incessantly haunted his thoughts—an idealized woman with exaggerated cheekbones and captivating, larger-than-life eyes, reminiscent of a fusion between his childhood idols: Cher and Madonna.

This muse became the centerpiece of Tiago's artistic endeavors, manifesting in countless paintings that mirrored his innermost desires and aspirations. Yet, as fate would have it, art began to intertwine with reality as Tiago’s cosmetic procedures took him closer and closer to the look of the figures and faces that he was painting. Just as he had once altered his physical appearance through surgery, he now sought to sculpt himself into the living embodiment of his muse. To achieve his look, he has had buccal fat removal from his cheeks, he has had rhinoplasty and has had a chin implant. He has put in hair plugs and also wears artificial hair that he does himself! He has long, wavy artificial hair that he delicately applies himself by tying the faux hair to his real hair to execute his exaggerated look.

Today, Tiago is an artist who lives art and self-expression every day of his life. Everything to him is about art, beauty and expression, especially the way he dresses and presents himself. For Tiago, “everyday is Halloween.” He plays dress up every single day putting together the perfect “look” for the day, the event or the party. Tiago will visualize a theme for each day, like an artist would approach a painting. For example, Tiago may say, “today I will be a square!” and he will try to dress in blocky clothing to emulate a shape. Tiago wears makeup daily to enhance his already exaggerated and protruding features. He loves over the top, colorful clothing and especially loves costume jewelry to complete his looks. To say that he loves a theme or a themed party is an understatement.

Tiago lives with his husband of five years who couldn’t be more opposite than him. His husband works in business and doesn’t have the same artistic sensibilities or the same beauty routines or processes that Tiago has. All of Tiago’s family lives in Portugal. They try to visit one another as often as possible. Because of Tiago’s eccentric personality and even more eccentric look, it’s difficult for him to make lasting friendships. He does have one friend, however, named Juan who is a true friend and confidant to Tiago.

Tiago is working towards opening a new art exhibit show of his work. His new show happens to be examining the idea of beauty, toying with the theme of where is true beauty? Is someone beautiful based on their appearance or is it their soul and personality? Tiago is certainly both beautiful inside and out!