Tavar Zawacki

Tavar started painting graffiti in 1996. For the past 20 years he was known only as “Above,” and associated with three different styles of street works: his multi-layer, full color social and political stencils; colorful abstract arrow compositions; and large text-based painted murals. Tavar’s real name and identity remained unknown, to guard his anonymity, and keep his birth name secret from the public.

During the past two years, Tavar has focused his attention inwards, observing issues that lived deep inside himself. With brutal honesty, he took inventory of what no longer served him in life, initiated the process of cutting off the dead weight, and began making space for new growth. He realized that his self imposed ‘shadow of anonymity’ was isolating him from the rest of the world, and pigeonholed his Works to the dependency on an arrow symbol.

Today, Tavar is fearless with his creative pursuits. The momentum has been building, and the barriers that once stood in his way, are now being broken down. As a result, his art has evolved and changed in recent months. Tavar is excited about this new journey, saying “I’m not concerned as to where the destination of my journey will lead me. I have faith and trust that the process of the journey itself will teach, and inspire me along the way.”