A 1987 newspaper profile of Frank Diaz Escalet observed that the seams in his inlaid leather paintings were so finely made they were barely visible, even to the touch. That understated technique mirrors Escalet’s place in art history: remarkable, but often overlooked. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, he first built his career running a repair shop and making custom leather goods for musicians and celebrities, among them the Rolling Stones, before eventually devoting himself to art. A new exhibition at Hollis Taggart is now bringing attention to his little-known artistic practice.
Escalet created what he described as leather paintings, carefully joining pieces of leather into images with remarkable precision. The newspaper account emphasized the skill and subtlety of the work, while noting that his name remained relatively unfamiliar outside a narrow circle. Even so, his craftsmanship drew admiration from those who saw it.
The exhibition seeks to shed light on this overlooked part of his career and reintroduce Escalet to a broader audience. By focusing on these works, the show places his artistic achievements in a clearer historical context. It also aims to secure him a more visible position within art history.
