DSCENE Interview: Tavares Strachan on Crafting the Future

In this exclusive interview with Tavares Strachan for DSCENE Magazine, done by our Editor Pavle Banovic, the multifaceted artist talks about his B.A.S.E.C. project, a initiative that bridges cultural and scientific domains. At its core, B.A.S.E.C. aims to fuse typically separate worlds, challenging the conventional ways in which humans consume and produce. Strachan’s approach is to create “collisions” between these worlds, making art that matters by provoking thought and encouraging meaningful engagement.

A recurrent theme in the work of Tavares is space, which he views not only as a literal expanse but as a metaphor for the future itself. For Strachan, space represents the limitless possibilities of human imagination and innovation, drawing from a history of visionary thinking that stretches beyond present limitations. This futuristic outlook is also at the center of  B.A.S.E.C., a project that mirrors the boundless nature of space exploration.

INTERVIEWS

The personal and communal dimensions of B.A.S.E.C. are also vital, as seen in the project’s apparel line, which was inspired by Strachan’s mother, a skilled seamstress. Strachan emphasizes the importance of community interaction, viewing it as a crucial component of both his personal development and artistic practice, making his work not just an individual endeavor but a collective narrative.

B.A.S.E.C. is a hybrid form that connects different cultural and scientific fields, with the community at its center. What is your main idea behind this project? – To make things that matter. Since humans are both consumers and producers, can we do so in an interesting manner is the question. Therefore, creating collisions between usually discrete worlds is the main idea behind these works of art.

Space is another theme that frequently reoccurs in your work and is a central element of B.A.S.E.C. What initially drew you to it, and has your relationship with it changed over time? – I think space is the future and the future is where it’s at. If we look at the history of the future, you can see how humans have imagined world making that was so beyond what we could see at the moment. BASEC is the future.

The B.A.S.E.C. apparel line emerged from conversations with your mother, a seamstress, who suggested that the best way to draw young people into exploration would be through clothing. How is the apparel line now? – My mother is super fly and she made me a tux when I was 5. We didn’t have any money but her skills were crazy. B.A.S.E.C. will always be an extension of her energy.

Community-based projects seem to be an integral part of your art practice in general. Can you elaborate on how these projects influence your work? – We are not much without community. We are products of our environments in so many ways. So for me, this back and forth with community is important.

Your art often addresses and challenges historically canonized narratives, particularly those that have been obscured or excluded. What is your approach to uncovering and portraying these “lost stories,” and how do you balance historical accuracy with artistic interpretation? – I don’t worry about accuracy as an artist. I worry about connection. Is it connecting? Lost stories are a major part of the human experience so it’s important for us to tell them. Through telling them we are able to imagine new art forms.

What keeps driving your passion for the projects you do? – I want to make things that matter and tell my story through everything that I do. I want people that wear B.A.S.E.C. to feel the power of the story.

Are there any artists of the current generation that inspire you? – Runkus.

You seem to be involved in many different activities. How do you spend your free time? – Open water diving and fishing.

What is next for you and the B.A.S.E.C. project? – New limited edition shoes that we can use to walk on mars.