José Díaz was a Spanish painter known for his diverse body of work, including figures, landscapes, still lifes, and abstract compositions. Born in Campo de Criptana, Spain, in 1930, Díaz was a self-taught artist who moved to Madrid in 1952, where he worked as a painter and decorator. In 1957, he relocated to Paris, participating in the Biennale Internationale de Paris multiple times and achieving finalist status in 1961 and 1965.
His work was included in the “20 Painters of the École de Paris” exhibition, which toured the United States in the 1960s. His career flourished as he gained recognition in the European art scene, and his paintings were exhibited alongside major figures of the mid-20th century. Díaz’s art combined elements of traditional Spanish landscapes with the modernist tendencies of the Parisian avant-garde, creating a distinct fusion of styles that set him apart. His pieces continue to be sought after by collectors, with many now part of significant museum collections and private holdings.
Díaz passed away in 1990, leaving behind a lasting artistic legacy that reflects the dynamism and innovation of mid-century European art. His works remain a key representation of Spain’s contribution to international modernism. His approach to color and form was influenced by both his Spanish heritage and his time in Paris, blending