Faco Basos Print

Born - New York 1960 Conceptual Artist | Public Space Innovator | Social Commentator As a multi-disciplinary, self-taught conceptual artist, my work spans over four decades and centers on social commentary and political reflection. Whether through bold public installations, refined studio paintings, or thought-provoking prints, I use familiar forms in unexpected ways to spark dialogue and cultivate positive change. My journey as an artist began with a series of five manhole cover prints titled Mandela: A Man and His Freedom, created in Basel, Switzerland. That pivotal act in my late twenties solidified my life’s purpose — to create work that invites reflection and stirs collective awareness. Since then, my work has been exhibited globally and is held in both private and public collections. I’ve received numerous grants and sponsorships, including support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Puffin Foundation, American Express, Bank of America, and Hewlett-Packard. My projects have also been commissioned for both public and private spaces, and my design work — including home decor pieces — has been sold through museum stores such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Two of my major public art initiatives, Silent March 1995 and The Y Project 1998, are sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). Silent March uses shoes belonging to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to promote non-discriminating AIDS awareness. The Y Project is a touring installation of 10-foot-tall steel sculptures shaped as the letter "Y" — asking viewers to confront the imbalance of human equality and responsibility. Each sculpture stands as a question in public space, engraved with a call to reflect: Y Think, Y Care, Y Art. Currently installed at the David Hayes Sculpture Fields in Coventry, CT. While much of my conceptual work is activist-driven, my studio paintings reflect a more introspective practice. These meditative pieces use precise geometric shapes and cool, saturated palettes to explore harmony, serenity, and the quiet balance of negative space. Whether through installations using landmines (Military Un-Intelligence), T-shirts (T-shirt Tirade), or everyday objects reimagined (Underneath It ALL), I aim to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and connect emotionally with viewers.