Protest/March, Double Synthesis, Oil on canvas, 36” x 96”
Tafa’s two masterful, major pieces popped out of the spacious but crowded studio filled with mostly sports themed paintings set on easels, tables and chairs. The pieces Protest/March and Protest Rhythm reminded of me of the ones in my collection, each representative of TAFA’s sports and protest/march themes. Curious about his artistic journey, I instinctively began to uncover “hidden” paintings around the room. I always look for works the artist does not want to part with or not quite ready for public consumption. How about this, I asked? His response, “That one has sold; that one not for sale”.
Protest Rhythm, Oil on canvas, 46” x 26” Protest/March, Double Synthesis, Oil on canvas, 36” x 96”
Untitled (Protest/March), 11 x 11 “, TAFA Untitled (Tennis Match), 19.5 x 23.5 in, TAFA
“Protest/March”, I believe, is an early version of the larger piece with bigger and less abstract marchers. My older pieces have heavy, layered impasto paint, creating both structure and dimension within vibrant colors. It is an impressive perspective piece, heavy impasto brush strokes, with plenty of light and color. The semi abstract work purchased directly from the Tafa at an Art Fair. Tafa’s current works use a less heavy impasto layering, but still display energy and depth.
After a fulfilling yet short studio visit, the conversation turned to “breaking bread”. Olivier was keen on African. TAFA recommended crossing the street to his Puerto Rican restaurant, Fonda Boricua, a cozy place with art works on the walls, welcoming, and though in the afternoon teaming with energy. Both Tafa and Olivier ordered the African inspired Mofongo Relleno.
I ordered the PERNIL, Fonda Boricua’s famous garlicky roast pork seasoned and prepared in the Puerto Rican tradition. We chatted about art appreciation, Kehinde Wiley, Tafa’s “upside down bin laden Jesus” (a work that sparked controversy, some did not get the artistic license, irony/joke), Kenyan Artist, Wangechi Mutu, and possibly returning at another time to “spend a day in the life of TAFA in Harlem”. Great meal, good company, and grateful companionship, “Brothers broke bread”. Then, Olivier and I headed off to the amazing Bushwick Art Fair.
Mofongo Relleno
MOFONGOS RELLENOS Plantain-mash (w/ vegetables, chicken, pork, shrimp or mixed seafood)