Exhibitionists·Video

From project manager to pop artist: Why Montreal's TAVA decided to change his life

For Antoine Tavaglione, his art was worth the risk of leaving his 9 to 5 — and it all started with the blessing in disguise of a failed work project.

For Antoine Tavaglione, his art was worth the risk of leaving his 9 to 5

From project manager to pop artist: Why Montreal's TAVA decided to change his life

7 years ago
Duration 3:04
His style is nostalgic. He highlights elements of popular characters with his own twist.
TAVA holds his "screaming heart." (Pique)

Living the good life with your 9 to 5 but want to give it all up for art? No problem! Antoine Tavaglione (TAVA), a Montreal-based pop artist, took the risk of a lifetime when he quit his project manager job to pursue his art full-time. He'd always had an eye for painting but never chose to stick with it until he was faced with a failed project on his day job — a blessing in disguise.

His style is nostalgic. He highlights elements of popular characters with his own twist. "The screaming heart" is one of his most successful creations, and one that connects with him deeply. He'll often take photos of his heroes (Jean-Michel Basquiat or Andy Warhol) and give them the "TAVA look."

In this video, get to know that look and learn just how TAVA made his way from project manager to pop artist-extraordinaire. 

This film was made by PIQUE, who are sharing their visions of Montreal artists through CBC Arts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PIQUE is a digital production studio and creative agency based out of Toronto. In addition to producing original content andspecial events for creatives and artists, PIQUE also creates branded content and develop innovative digital and social media strategies for clients across Canada.