How the art world adopted Glasgow ‘Slum Boy’ Juano Diaz

“I was being ironic but I have had a really lucky life. It could have been so different if I hadn’t been adopted. I don’t even know if I would have been here.”

“When they suggested Slum Boy I said no, we can’t call it that. That’s completely derogatory and then I sat with it and realised it works.

“The publisher said look, if anyone can wear that title, it’s you. What were your conditions as a child, living with your mother. I said it was a slum.

“There was no glass in my bedroom window. It was cold, it was damp, it was a slum.”

He says he’s tried to tell his story through art – but always failed.

“It just seemed too dark and I don’t like dark art. I like to celebrate things that are magical and bright and colourful.”

But writing the book has encouraged him to explore his own story. He is currently working on a series of paintings based on documentary maker Nick Hedges’ photographs.

But he says he’s glad to end each day with his partner and son in a warm and happy home.

Slum Boy: A Portrait is published by Brazen Press on Thursday 29 February.