BIO

Joseph Franco, professionally known as Knucci (pronounced New-Chi), is a contemporary self taught artist born in 1991 in New York City. His signature work involves colorful symbolism with references to finding inner freedom as well as growing through life’s challenges. 

From a young age, Knucci traveled extensively and visited countless museums, admiring the beauty and talent of the world's most famous artists. He studied Entrepreneurship and Finance at Babson College, graduating in 2014. Knucci began painting in 2015 in New York City. 

In 2018, Knucci was involved in a tragic car accident where a pedestrian was killed. He spent 2 years in House Arrest, during which he worked extensively on his art and produced close to 50 large scale paintings. During this time, he exhibited his work at the Mario Testino Museum in Peru as well as at the Gallart Gallery in North Miami Beach. 

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Knucci subsequently spent 2 and a half years in prison during which time he developed his artistic talent by working primarily with pen and paper and through collaborations with other artists in prison. During this time, Knucci helped to illustrate a book through back and forth correspondences with the author, Bonnie Salkow. The book, titled “Luv, Bonnie” was published in 2022 while he was still incarcerated.

While in Prison, Knucci also helped to establish Miami Mind, an organization that helps people tackle mental health issues, while also attempting to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Knucci donates 10% of his net proceeds to this organization.

Knucci was released from incarceration in August of 2022 and currently resides in Miami, Florida and works out of his art studio in North Miami.