Artist Statement
Diego's love for photography started when he was quite young. He remembers looking through the book U.S. Camera 1950 as a child, being transfixed with the images; the book was almost 40 years old at that time and was filled with the work of people we now consider Masters of Photography. His work bears a strong influence from those images.
He has a background in digital media production; his original focus was on short films and web media but over the last 15 years he has shifted to photography and mixed media art, while also continuing work on films - both behind the camera and in front of it. Besides some informal teaching, during childhood, with his grandpa, Vicente Armijo, on a Mamiya 35mm he is completely self taught.
With his background embracing digital photography was a given. He prefers to do only minimal editing on his photos, focusing on what he can do in camera rather than fixing it in post.
In this digital age where so many images are only viewed on a screen, where hard drive storage has taken the place of unprocessed rolls of film left forgotten in a drawer, he shoots selectively and approaches each photograph as if it will be printed.
Curriculum Vitae
Exhibitions:
- Solo Exhibition – June 2019– Borracho's Craft Booze and Brews
- Gallery Representation – April 2014 – May 2019 - Jezebel Gallery in Madrid, NM
- Group Exhibition – January 2018 – January 2019 – Tularosa Basin Photography Gallery
- Group Exhibition – July 2015 – Cleveland Rollermill Museum
- Solo Exhibition – February 2013 – The Old Town Draft House
- Solo Exhibition – February 2013 – Traveler's Cafe
Art in Public Places:
- T.I.M.E. 2018 – Las Vegas: Convergence
Tiempo Duro by Diego Romero took visitors through the history of Las Vegas by viewing photograph transfers of historic and contemporary images of Las Vegas on lajas (flagstones) and cement structures in the Gallinas River. The lajas created a path to the Gallinas River where more images were transferred on to the cement structures by the water.
- Golden 16” x 24”, Infused Aluminum, mid gloss, 2/50 – Rio Arriba Health Commons
- Inmensa Tiempo 16” x 24”, Infused Aluminum, mid gloss, 1/50 – Rio Arriba Health Commons
- Espiritu de Bernal 24” x 16”, Infused Aluminum, sheer gloss, 1/50 – Belen Senior Center
- Continua 16” x 24”, Infused Aluminum, mid gloss, 1/50 – Tularosa Senior Center
- Come on Down 16” x 24”, Infused Aluminum, mid gloss, 1/50 – Tularosa Senior Center
Honors and Awards:
- New Mexico Prospectus #248, T.I.M.E. Las Vegas, May 2018
- “Sense of Place, Third Place” - “When We Stand in Light” - New Mexico Magazine Photography Contest , January 2018 New Mexico
- New Mexico Prospectus #246, August 2017
- “Best Use of Prop” 48 Hour Film Festival “Carnie Adovada – October 2016
- New Mexico Acclaimed Artist Series, July 2016
- New Mexico True/Heritage Hotels, Cultural/Heritage Photograph - “Mas Chingon”, May 2014
- Distinguished Volunteer, Reel Working America , February 2014
- “Staff Recognition Award” UNM School of Law – Spring 2009
- “Best Special Effects” 48 Hour Film Festival “An Easter Story” – July 2008
- “Best Musical Score” 48 Hour Film festival “Rio” – July 2007
- "Best 30 Second Advertisement" - Flicks on 66 Film Festival - July 2005
- Finalist SXSW Interactive “Portfolio” – March 2004
- Volunteer, Wildlife West , April 2015 – May 2018
- Guest Lecturer, NMHU, Digital Photography – September 2013
- Hermit's Peak Watershed Alliance, March 2014 – September 2014
- Reel Working America, May 2013 – June 2014
- HELP Portrait Albuquerque – December 2010, 2011, 2012 Downloadable .pdf of artist statement and curriculum vitae