about
Benji Diaz is a graphic artist and painter, who explores art with an intimate and narrative approach. He incorporates themes of homoeroticism, folklore, and childhood nostalgia in his work.
He received his BA in Studio Art from Cleveland State University and has studied graphic design, drawing, and sculpture throughout the years. He uses his design experience as an art tool, creating another level of quality within his drawings. Some of his works have been seen in print productions, including illustrations for nonprofit organizations, independent publishers, and creative collaborations in the Cleveland area. He has curated the Queer Art Show during CLE LGBTQ+ pride month (2016-19) and has been featured in exhibitions at 78th Street Studios, PopEye Gallery, The Galleries at CSU, Mansfield Art Center, Yards Project, and much more.
contact
For inquiries + commission interest: peevish.art@gmail.com
solo + group shows/events ((current))
2024 - Fruitcake Pride Market - The 5 O’Clock Lounge / Cleveland, OH
2024 - Art Gallery Wall (Fieldhouse G.O.) - Studio West 117 / Lakewood, OH
2024 - SH’BANG FEST - Hildebrandt Artist Collective / Cleveland, OH
2024 - CLAW24 Kinky Art Show - Renaissance Hotel / Cleveland, OH
2024 - Inside The Closet - Hildebrandt Artist Collective / Cleveland, OH
2023 - FIG’s Annual Anniversary & Holiday Exhibition - CMA Community Arts Center / Cleveland, OH
2023 - Pansy Power Queer Print + Zine Fair - Zygote Press / Cleveland, OH
2023 - YES WE ARE - Hildebrandt Artist Collective / Cleveland, OH
2023 - Fruitcake Pride Market - No Class / Cleveland, OH
2023 - CLAW23 Kinky Art Show - Renaissance Hotel / Cleveland, OH
2023 - Foot Squared Exhibition - Yards Project Space / Cleveland, OH
2022 - Art Gallery Wall (Fieldhouse G.O.) - Studio West 117 / Lakewood, OH
2022 - 24th Robert Thürmer People’s Art Show - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH
2022 - Fruitcake Pride Market - No Class / Cleveland, OH
2022 - Illustrious Gravitas - Yards Project Space / Cleveland, OH
2022 - CLAW22 Kinky Art Show - Hyatt Regency Hotel / Cleveland, OH
National Leather Association: Aubrey Beardsley Abstract Award, 2022
2021 - REVEAL: Showcase of LGBTQ+ Art - Yards Project Space / Cleveland, OH
2021 - Fembot/Black Mass Pride Market Flea - The Foundry / Lakewood, OH
2020 - Queer Art Exposé - CSU Ballroom / Cleveland, OH
2019 - Studio Art Faculty + Recent Alumni Exhibition - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH
2019 - Queer Art Show 4 - Curator + Participant - Winchester Tavern / Cleveland, OH
2019 - Gaggg Reflexxx - Generic Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2019 - 9th Annual Monster Drawing Rally - Spaces Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2018 - Queer Art Show 3 - Curator + Participant - Popeye Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2018 - Gaggg Reflexxx - Generic Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2017 - Turn Up II: Alma Mater Ed. - Popeye Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2017 - Outsider or Insider Art, Thomas Arlen Wagner Collection - Mansfield Art Center / Mansfield, OH
2017 - Queer Art Show 2 - Curator + Participant - Twist Social Club / Cleveland, OH
2017 - #riseupagainsthate - Goodgoat Gallery / Lakewood, OH
2016 - Tall Walls Exhibition - Canopy / Cleveland, OH
2016 - 22nd People's Art Show - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH
2016 - Melt ( Art ) Challenge - Popeye Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2016 - Queer Art Show - Curator + Participant - Twist Social Club / Cleveland, OH
2016 - New Works (Pop-up Solo Show) - Twist Social Club / Cleveland, OH
2016 - 6th Annual Monster Drawing Rally - Spaces Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2016 - Burning River Roller Derby Art Benefit - Goodgoat Gallery / Lakewood, OH
2015 - Future Past Art Show - Popeye Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2015 - 44th Student and Merit Show - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH - Best of Painting + Printmaking
2014 - 21nd People's Art Show - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH
2014 - The Goat, The Baad, & The Ugly - Goodgoat Gallery / Lakewood, OH
2014 - 43th Student and Merit Show - Galleries at CSU / Cleveland, OH - Honorable Mention
2013 - Ripe/Flaccid: Partial Friends (Solo Show) - Popeye Gallery / Cleveland, OH
2013 - CSU @ CWAL - West 78th Studios / Cleveland, OH
2012 - 13th Annual National Arts Program Exhibition - Waterloo / Cleveland, OH
Adult Intermediate 1st Place
2010 - 11th Annual National Arts Program Exhibition - Waterloo / Cleveland, OH
Adult Intermediate 1st Place