Photography by Tavares Strachan

Tavares Strachan

VISUAL ARTIST

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Most people believe my first name is Portuguese or Spanish, but it is East African. It translates to “hermit” or “spirit of an old man.” I guess names are somewhat prophetic. I like being out and about; I love being behind the scenes.

NAME AN INFLUENCE OF YOURS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE.

Peter Tosh was a huge influence, not only as an artist but also as one of the foundational blueprints for how to make people move consciously with light. Now, his music, like most Black music, is dangerous with a capital D, and that is why I was attracted to it as a youth. He taught me that art is consciousness.

WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE, WHAT WERE YOU KNOWN FOR?

I was a pain in the ass, asking too many questions. Was a huge back-talker. Sorry, mom. So that was me as a youngster: mouthy but shy at the same time. I grew up with 6 brothers plus 16 uncles and 10 aunts, so my confidence came from that squad. Even when I was alone, I felt like I had numbers, if you know what I mean.

““Most people believe my first name is Portuguese or Spanish, but it is East African. It translates to ‘hermit’ or ‘spirit of an old man.’ I guess names are somewhat prophetic.””

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU IN 2024?

I am anticipating an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London this June. It is my grandest-scale project to date. The layers of subjects and material processes in the show have been especially exciting to develop. From multisensorial sound and light works to literally flooding parts of the gallery, I am looking to tell stories in a language that speaks to the human condition.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

You’ve almost hit your limit.

You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.

You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.

GET ACCESS. 

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.

GET ACCESS. 

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

Want more in your life?

For less than the price of a cocktail, you can help independent journalism thrive.

Pop-Up-1_c

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here
Pop-Up-1_c

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

Want more in your life?

For less than the price of a cocktail, you can help independent journalism thrive.

Pop-Up-1_c
GET ACCESS.
Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here
Pop-Up-1_c

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

You’ve almost hit your limit.

You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.

You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.
GET ACCESS.
Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here
You’re approaching your limit of complementary articles. For expanded access, become a digital subscriber for less than $2 a week.

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

Want more in your life?

For less than the price of a cocktail, you can help independent journalism thrive.

Pop-Up-1_c

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

Pop-Up-1_c

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

We have so much more to tell you.

You’ve reached your limit.

Sign up for a digital subscription, starting at less than $2 a week.

GET ACCESS.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in Here

Want a seat at the table? To continue reading this article, sign up today.

Support independent criticism for $10/month (or just $110/year).

Join Here

Already a subscriber? Log in.