Edgar Zepeda Diaz is redefining traditional portraiture—one strand of broom grass at a time, per mymodernmet.com. Instead of paintbrushes, the Mexican artist meticulously arranges naturally dyed straw to craft strikingly detailed portraits of animals and cultural icons, including Frida Kahlo, tigers and lions. His unique technique transforms humble broom grass into lifelike masterpieces.
Each artwork begins with a beeswax-coated canvas, where Diaz carefully places individual strands like a mosaic of pixels. The vibrant hues come from natural dyes derived from insects, fruits and plants, giving his pieces an organic richness. The result? Textured portraits so intricate that fur and facial features appear almost three-dimensional.
Diaz’s dedication to his craft has earned him a devoted following and his own Straw Art Gallery. Though the process is painstaking—he describes it as a “labour of love”—the final product captivates viewers worldwide.
Diaz proves that even the simplest materials can become extraordinary art.
