A year can really bring a lot of changes, nobody knows that more than artist Tavar Zawacki aka Above. His latest exhibition 12 Months highlighted each month of the year with it’s unique color palette and feeling. In a long-awaited return Zawacki’s Break Thru (available exclusively on 1xRUN) marks a notable change for the artist, both in name, as well as style. Based on his piece dedicated to April, Break through captures the move into abstraction as well as one of the most intricate pieces from the show. Read on to see process photos for Break Thru and more as we caught up with as Above breaks thru as Tavar Zawacki to discuss his latest edition…
1x: Tell us a little bit about this piece, it was inspired by your April design which was a part of your recent 12 Months in Zurich correct?
Above: You’re correct. The Break Thru print was based off the month of April from my recent 12 Months exhibition. What is unique about this print is that I’ve re-adjusted the colors and parts of the design to make a new, but similar style.
1x: What materials were used to create the original canvas piece?
Above: I painted the original canvas design using stencils, and acrylic paint. It was a challenging design to stencil as there were 15+ different layers to register into place.
1x: When was the piece painted and created?
Above: I painted the canvas in my Berlin studio in February, 2016.
1x: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight about this piece?
Above: The title is reflective of the new direction my artworks have been heading. Break Thru is the turning point for the newer styles I’ve been exploring. I’ve also decided to lead with my family name, Tavar Zawacki with my artworks as well. This was a normal progression for my fine art practice.
1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Above: Originally this piece was made as part of the 12 Months exhibition I did in Zürich, Switzerland in March, 2016. The 12 months exhibition profiled my associations with each month. The original piece represents the month of April, with it’s scattered, broken, and partly cloudy, partly sunny sentiments.
1x: How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Above: This particular piece was the most time consuming of the 12 Months exhibition. There are 15+ different colors / layers. Cutting the stencil, selecting the exact color palette, and making all 15+ layers register correctly took about 10 days from start to finish.
1x: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Above: It’s a ‘Break Thru’ and transition into my newer abstract styles I’ve been exploring.
1x: Why should people buy one of these prints?
Above: Because it’s the beginning of a new body of work that I’ll be continuing to nurture and explore.
1x: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Above: Progressive.
1x: How did the idea come about for your 12 Months exhibition?
Above: The idea for 12 months came about as it allowed me a lot of freedom to explore a range of emotions, associations, and especially color palette of my works. I discovered so much about relationships of colors, as well as exploring new styles that reflected my associations with each month.
1x: Did you start with January and work your way down or how did the exhibition come together?
Above: Good question. I was jumping around during the initial design phase from different months. I tried to work chronologically, but I found It was easier for me to jump around to different months.
1x: What’s your personal favorite month?
Above: That’s a very hard question. I do know the months I felt I made break thru with were February, April (this print), August, and November.
1x: Any recent strides that you’ve made in your work that you’re particularly happy about?
Above: Yes, I’ve recently come forward with using my real name with my artworks, Tavar Zawacki. I’ve been also changing my style into using less and less of the arrow icon, and more and more abstract designs. It’s a dynamic time for me to keep exploring and moving forward in the direction of fine art.
1x: What have you been up to so far in 2016?
Above: I’ve been redefining myself, and stepping forward with new styles. My work (and myself) are in a process of exploration and re-invention. It’s been a successful first half of the year and I envision this momentum to only keep building.
1x: What else is on the docket for you in the summer?
Above: I just flew back from a project in Paris two days ago. I’m now off to Nashville, Tennessee for a big mural project. After that I’ll be headed to my solo exhibition in New York City on July 14.
1x: Where else can people find you?
Above: Website – Instagram + Twitter @abovestudio
-1xRUN