008 Painting

Born in Madrid, Spain, Ignacio de Grado initially forged a successful career in engineering, holding managerial roles within multinational construction companies. However, the economic crisis of 2008 marked a turning point in his life. What began as a challenging and uncertain period became a catalyst for profound transformation. In the wake of redundancy, Ignacio felt a powerful, long-suppressed artistic calling. Driven by this newfound passion, he relocated to London to pursue a Master’s degree in Visual Arts at the University of the Arts. This pivotal decision not only reshaped his professional path but also led him to Vietnam for the first time in 2012, a country that has since become his home, with occasional stays in Spain. Since then, Ignacio has fully dedicated himself to his artistic career, expanding his practice to include product design and entrepreneurial ventures. His commitment to art is further reflected in his role as an educator, teaching and inspiring others in his Saigon studio. Ignacio’s journey is a testament to the unexpected ways in which life’s challenges can lead to personal and professional rebirth, transforming adversity into creative opportunity.