Artist Unearths Invisible Histories

Tavares Strachan, an artist known for his curious nature, has developed a practice that intricately weaves together art, science, and cultural inquiry. His work often delves into archival research, focusing on figures and forms of knowledge that have been overshadowed by dominant historical narratives, particularly concerning the Black diaspora. Strachan invites viewers to critically re-examine the authorship, remembrance, and erasure of history.

His first major museum exhibition, 'Tavares Strachan: The Day Tomorrow Began,' is on view at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti through January 3, 2027. This presentation showcases nearly a decade of his multidisciplinary creations, including sculpture, painting, neon texts, and music. A significant piece featured is 'The Encyclopedia of Invisibility' (2018), an extensive collection of over 17,000 entries dedicated to overlooked people, places, and ideas.

The exhibition also includes 'Flip Monuments,' such as 'Flip Monument (Christophe x Napoleon)' (2025), which pairs historical figures in altered fates. The installation 'Bar Room,' a permanent fixture at The Pizzuti since October 2025, functions as a rum bar and café. It serves as a hub for social exchange and a tribute to the deep-rooted Afro-Caribbean culture and reggae presence in Columbus, Ohio.

Strachan highlights how systems of oppression can be subtle, often embedded in architecture, as seen in colonial buildings on Caribbean islands. He believes that history is intrinsically linked to power, with the ability to tell stories being a privilege. His aim with his art and installations is to create spaces where diverse individuals feel a sense of belonging, collapsing the traditional museum setting into more accessible, everyday experiences.