Tavar Zawacki, an American-born artist formerly known as ABOVE, has made a significant impact on the street art scene with his thought-provoking works and distinctive style.
After spending over two decades working under the pseudonym ABOVE, Zawacki decided to reveal his true identity in 2017, embracing a new chapter in his artistic journey. This article explores the life and career of Tavar Zawacki, his evolution as an artist, and the themes and messages that underpin his powerful body of work.
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| Street art by: Above (artist) Photo by: Benjamin917 nyc, Wikimedia. |
Background and Early Years
Born in 1981 in California, Tavar Zawacki demonstrated an early interest in art and creativity. As a teenager, he began exploring graffiti art, eventually adopting the moniker ABOVE. The pseudonym represented his desire to continually evolve and ascend as an artist, and his signature arrow motif soon became a recognisable emblem of his work.
At the age of 19, Zawacki left the United States and embarked on an international art tour. Over the next two decades, he traveled to over 100 countries, leaving his artistic mark in the form of murals, stencils, and installations. This period of exploration and discovery not only helped Zawacki refine his skills and develop his unique visual language but also exposed him to a wide range of cultures and experiences that would inform his work.
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| Street art by: Above (artist) Photo by: Benjamin917 nyc, Wikimedia Commons. |
The ABOVE Era
During his time as ABOVE, Zawacki's artwork often featured his signature arrow motif, coupled with clever wordplay, visual puns, and site-specific messages that encouraged viewers to engage with the piece on multiple levels. Some of his most notable projects from this period include:
- "Give Peace a Chance" (2005) - A series of murals created in Paris featuring the phrase "Give Peace a Chance" in both English and French, serving as a response to the ongoing conflict in Iraq and a reminder of the power of love and unity.
- "Sign Language" (2009) - A six-month-long project that involved creating a series of text-based murals across Europe, with each piece incorporating the local language and engaging with social, political, or environmental issues relevant to the location.
- "South Central Tour" (2012) - A month-long journey through South America, during which ABOVE painted 8 murals in 4 countries, each piece inspired by the unique characteristics of the location and its people.
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| Artwork: Zaeacki (Above). Photo: Hdepot, Wikimedia. |
Unmasking and Artistic Evolution
In 2017, Zawacki made the bold decision to abandon his ABOVE persona and embrace his true identity as Tavar Zawacki. This transformation marked a significant turning point in his career, as he began to explore new creative avenues and challenge himself as an artist. One of the driving forces behind this change was Zawacki's desire to break free from the limitations and expectations associated with his pseudonym and to create work that was more personal and reflective of his artistic vision.
Zawacki's post-ABOVE work showcases a more abstract and geometric style, with a focus on bold shapes, vibrant colours, and dynamic compositions. His new direction has allowed him to delve deeper into themes such as identity, self-discovery, and personal growth. Some key works from this period include:
- "Metamorphosis" (2017) - A solo exhibition held in Berlin that marked Zawacki's official transition from ABOVE to his true identity. The show featured a series of large-scale geometric paintings, sculptures, and installations that reflected his ongoing artistic evolution.
- "Shapeshifting" (2018) - An exhibition held in San Francisco that further explored the themes of transformation and change. Zawacki's work in this show continued to build upon his geometric style, incorporating intricate patterns and optical illusions to create a sense of movement and fluidity.
- "Chromatic Momentum" (2019) - A solo exhibition in Paris that delved into the relationship between colour and motion. The works on display featured Zawacki's signature geometric forms, with a focus on gradient colour palettes that evoked a sense of energy and forward motion.
- "Dimensional Analogue" (2020) - An exhibition held in Los Angeles, where Zawacki presented a series of three-dimensional works that pushed the boundaries of his geometric style. By combining painting, sculpture, and installation, Zawacki explored new ways of engaging with space and form.
Themes and Messages
Throughout his career, Tavar Zawacki has continually sought to engage with pressing social, political, and environmental issues through his work. Some of the recurring themes in his art include:'
Identity and self-discovery - Much of Zawacki's work, particularly since unmasking himself as Tavar Zawacki, has focused on the exploration of identity and the process of self-discovery. His artistic evolution serves as a powerful testament to the importance of embracing change and pursuing personal growth.
Social and political commentary - During his time as ABOVE, Zawacki used his art to engage with a wide range of social and political issues, from war and inequality to environmental concerns. By creating site-specific works that resonated with local audiences, he encouraged viewers to reflect on the world around them and consider their role in shaping it.
The power of colour and form - In his more recent work, Zawacki has shifted his focus towards the exploration of colour, form, and composition. His vibrant geometric paintings and installations invite viewers to consider the emotional and psychological impact of colour, and the ways in which it can be used to convey a sense of movement and energy.
FAQ's
Q: What inspired Tavar Zawacki to start creating street art?
A: As a teenager, Zawacki was drawn to the world of graffiti art, initially using the medium as a form of self-expression and a way to make his mark on the urban landscape. His passion for graffiti art eventually led him to adopt the moniker ABOVE and embark on a global art tour.
Q: Has Tavar Zawacki collaborated with any other notable artists?
A: While Zawacki has primarily focused on his individual artistic practice, he has occasionally collaborated with other street artists, including participating in group exhibitions and street art festivals.
Q: What medium does Tavar Zawacki typically use for his artwork?
A: Zawacki's work encompasses a variety of mediums, including spray paint, acrylic paint, stencils, and sculptural materials. He often combines multiple mediums within a single piece to create dynamic and engaging compositions.
Q: How does Tavar Zawacki decide on the locations for his street art pieces?
A: During his time as ABOVE, Zawacki would choose locations for his art based on their cultural, social, or political significance, ensuring that his work was site-specific and relevant to the local audience. Since unmasking himself, he has continued to create public art installations and murals, often seeking out spaces that allow for a deeper exploration of his geometric style.
Q: Has Tavar Zawacki ever faced legal consequences for his street art?
A: While there is no publicly available information about Zawacki facing legal consequences for his work, it is not uncommon for street artists to encounter legal issues related to their public installations, particularly when working without official permission.
Q: Has Tavar Zawacki's artwork been exhibited in galleries or museums?
A: Yes, in addition to his public art installations and murals, Zawacki has exhibited his work in galleries and museums around the world, including solo exhibitions such as "Metamorphosis" in Berlin and "Chromatic Momentum" in Paris.
Q: What advice does Tavar Zawacki have for aspiring artists?
A: While Zawacki has not provided specific advice for aspiring artists, his own career trajectory demonstrates the importance of embracing change, pursuing personal growth, and continually pushing the boundaries of one's creative practice.
Q: Are there any books or documentaries about Tavar Zawacki's life and work?
A: In 2017, Zawacki released a self-published book titled "Metamorphosis," which chronicles his artistic journey from his early days as ABOVE to his transformation into Tavar Zawacki. The book features photographs, sketches, and stories that provide a unique insight into his creative process and the evolution of his work.
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