In 1982, Stephen Tashjian, born in 1959, left Boston for New york’s Alphabet City in the East Village, adopting the drag name Tabboo! and quickly becoming a fixture in the vibrant, gritty nightlife of Lower Manhattan.Performing at iconic venues like the Pyramid Club, the Mudd Club, and the Palladium, Tabboo! embodied a glamorous, larger-then-life persona, complete with elegant wigs and gowns. While many of thes legendary clubs and Tashjian’s contemporaries have faded into history, Tabboo! has endured, continuing to create art that reflects his life and the world around him.
Now, Early Works, an exhibition at Karma’s two East Village locations and Gordon Robichaux’s Union Square West outpost, offers a deep dive into Tabboo!’s multifaceted practice. Running through February 28, this is his sixth exhibition with the gallery and the first to fully contextualize his work within the aesthetically diverse 1980s. The show features paintings and drawings from 1980 to 2005, alongside a site-specific mural created just before the exhibition opened on January 8. These works serve as a testament to Tabboo!’s impulse to document his life and surroundings.
The exhibition includes pieces like Wigstock Backdrop (1990), a vibrant painting that captures the energy of the era. Tabboo!’s art is a celebration of his everyday experiences, blending humor, nostalgia, and a keen eye for detail. His work is not just a reflection of his personal journey but also a tribute to the people and places that have shaped his world.
Key Highlights of Early Works
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Exhibition Dates | January 8 – February 28, 2025 |
| Locations | Karma (east Village), Gordon Robichaux (Union Square West) |
| Featured Works | Paintings, drawings (1980–2005), site-specific mural |
| Notable Piece | Wigstock Backdrop (1990) |
| Themes | Everyday life, nostalgia, documentation of the 1980s |
Tabboo!’s art is a vivid reminder of the cultural and artistic vibrancy of 1980s New York. His ability to blend performance and visual art has made him a unique figure in the art world. As Early Works demonstrates, his legacy continues to inspire, offering a window into a transformative era.
For those interested in exploring more about Tabboo!’s journey, visit Karma’s website or check out the exhibition in person. Don’t miss this prospect to experience the work of an artist who has truly stood the test of time.Tabboo! Early Works: A Vibrant Retrospective at Karma, New York
The East Village’s Karma gallery is currently hosting Tabboo! Early Works, a captivating exhibition showcasing the formative years of Stephen Tashjian, better known as Tabboo!. Running since January 8, 2025, the show offers a deep dive into the artist’s signature style, blending whimsical motifs with bold, optimistic colors.
At the heart of the exhibition is a site-specific mural at 172 East 2nd Street, created just before the show’s opening.This vibrant piece spans two walls, featuring Tabboo!’s iconic swirling, zigzagging patterns. Spirals, stars, suns, and interlocking hieroglyphic-like designs come alive in bright purples, oranges, chartreuse, and hot pinks. The mural is punctuated by framed works such as Orangey Pink Lady (1987) and Body and Soul (1988),offering a dynamic interplay between large-scale and intimate pieces.
One of the standout works on display is Wigstock Backdrop (1990), a testament to Tabboo!’s ability to merge art and performance. This piece, originally created for the legendary Wigstock festival, captures the exuberance of New York’s drag scene in the late 20th century. Another highlight is Dress Up – Go out and Be Seen (1982), a colorful pencil and marker drawing that encapsulates the artist’s playful yet poignant approach to self-expression.
Tabboo!’s work is frequently enough described as “emotional realism,” a term he coined to describe his intuitive, figurative style.Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, he transforms cityscapes, friends, and flora into imaginative still lifes and tableaux. This exhibition, curated by gordon Robichaux,provides a rare glimpse into the artist’s early career,highlighting his evolution as a painter and performer.| Key Works in the Exhibition |
|———————————-|
| wigstock Backdrop (1990) |
| Dress Up – Go Out and Be Seen (1982) |
| Orangey Pink Lady (1987) |
| Body and Soul (1988) |
The exhibition not onyl celebrates Tabboo!’s artistic legacy but also underscores his influence on contemporary art and culture. As The Brooklyn Rail notes, his work continues to resonate with audiences, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
For those in New York,Tabboo! Early Works is a must-see. The show runs through March 2025 at Karma, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of one of the East Village’s most iconic artists.
Tabboo!: A Journey Through Art, Identity, and Resilience in the East Village
In the heart of New York’s East Village, a vibrant mural by tabboo! (Stephen Tashjian) stands as a testament to the artist’s enduring spirit and creative vision. Painted in 2025, the mural’s high-keyed palette and loose, guileless brushwork evoke a sense of sincerity and hope, a stark contrast to the gritty, gentrified landscape it inhabits. This piece, alongside Tabboo!’s earlier works from the 1980s, offers a poignant narrative of perseverance through health epidemics like AIDS and COVID-19, and also the transformation of a neighborhood that once thrived as a hub for campy and cerebral performance art.
From Massachusetts to the east Village: Tabboo!’s Artistic Roots
Tabboo!’s journey began in central Massachusetts, where he honed his craft as a puppeteer before attending MassArt. It was here that he found himself amidst a fervent artistic community, including luminaries like Nan Goldin, Gail Thacker, and Jack Pierson. The late 1970s and early 1980s in Boston were a pivotal moment for artists exploring the intersections of identity, persona, and portraiture through mediums like photography, video, performance, and installation.
As one half of the Clam Twins,a drag duo with Mark Morrisroe,Tabboo! began to blur the lines between art and life—a theme that would define his career. Like many of his peers, he eventually made his way to New York, where the East Village scene provided fertile ground for his histrionic and performative style.
the 2025 Mural: A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
The 2025 mural, with its smiling sun and flowery script, exudes an almost childlike innocence. Yet, its imprecise strokes suggest urgency, as if Tabboo! is racing to capture a fleeting moment of optimism. This contemporaneous work stands in stark contrast to his 1980s drawings, which feature scribbly swirls, a poodle, a cat, and an underwear-clad male.Together, these pieces create a visual timeline of Tabboo!’s experiences, reflecting both personal and collective struggles.
The juxtaposition of these works highlights Tabboo!’s commitment to documenting his life through stylized, performative gestures. It also underscores his resilience in the face of adversity, from the AIDS crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the gentrification of the East Village.
Tabboo!’s Legacy: Art as a Mirror of Life
Tabboo!’s art is more than just a visual feast; it’s a mirror of his life and the world around him. His works, whether murals or drawings, are imbued with a sense of immediacy and authenticity. they capture the essence of a moment, a feeling, or an era, making them timeless yet deeply rooted in their context.
As the East Village continues to evolve, Tabboo!’s art serves as a reminder of its vibrant past and the artists who shaped it. His perseverance and creativity inspire us to find hope and beauty, even in the most challenging times.
| Key Highlights of Tabboo!’s Artistic Journey |
|————————————————–|
| Early Influences | Puppeteer in Massachusetts, studied at MassArt, part of the Clam Twins drag duo |
| Artistic Mediums | Photography, video, performance, installation |
| Notable Themes | Identity, persona, portraiture, resilience |
| Major Works | 2025 mural, 1980s drawings |
| Impact | Documented personal and collective struggles, influenced East Village art scene |
tabboo!’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and the power of art to transcend time and adversity. Explore more about his journey and the East Village art scene here.
Image: Key Highlights of the Exhibition
| Feature | Description | The exhibition not only celebrates Tabboo!’s artistic contributions but also invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of queer culture and the ways in which art can serve as both a marker of presence and a tool for healing. As you explore the exhibition, take a moment to appreciate the textures of the city that inspired Tabboo!’s work. The interplay of concrete, metal, and graffiti serves as a backdrop to a story of resilience, creativity, and love.Visit the exhibition to experience the vibrant legacy of Tabboo! and immerse yourself in the rich history of queer art and culture. !world is buzzing with the rediscovery of Tabboo!’s early works, a collection that captures the essence of 1980s New York through a lens of gritty romanticism and exuberant creativity. Currently on display at Karma, these pieces—ranging from Guido (1986) to Jane is Sexy (1981) and Classical Beauty (1984)—offer a vivid snapshot of a bygone era, blending abstract expressionism with the raw energy of Neo-Expressionism. Tabboo!, born Stephen Tashjian, is no stranger to the art scene. His works are a testament to his ability to transform everyday scenes into vibrant, emotionally charged masterpieces. Guido, for instance, is a kitchen still-life that juxtaposes cans of crushed tomatoes with cartoon character heads and a hint of floral imagery. This piece, installed between Wigstock Backdrop and monochrome drawings, is a celebration of the mundane, elevating it to something extraordinary. In the gallery’s backroom, Jane is Sexy and Classical Beauty take center stage. these paintings are more than just visual feasts; they are time capsules. Jane is Sexy features Tabboo!’s signature whirling brushwork, interspersed with a boxy, curvilinear pattern that nods to the influence of postmodernism’s playful use of language. Meanwhile, classical Beauty evokes the spirit of Willem de Kooning’s Woman I (1950-52), notably through its depiction of teeth, while maintaining a unique, contemporary edge. Tabboo!’s connection to the art movements of his time is undeniable.He was friends with Jean-Michel Basquiat, a figure synonymous with the Neo-Expressionist movement, and his works reflect a deep engagement with the legacy of abstract expressionism.Yet, Tabboo! carves out his own niche, blending these influences with a personal touch that makes his art unmistakably his own. The exhibition at Karma is not just a retrospective; it’s a celebration of memory. Each piece seems to remember a specific time, person, or place, offering viewers a glimpse into the artist’s world. As one wanders through the gallery, the vibrancy of Tabboo!’s brushwork and the emotional depth of his subjects create an immersive experience that lingers long after the visit. For those eager to explore Tabboo!’s early works, the exhibition is a must-see. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what art can be. | Key Works | Year | Notable Features | Tabboo!’s art is a reminder of the power of creativity to capture the essence of a moment. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual observer, this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Tabboo!’s early works at Karma.Tabboo!’s Early Works: A time Capsule of New York’s Vibrant Past New York City has always been a muse for artists,but few have captured its essence as vividly as Tabboo! (Stephen Tashjian). his Early Works, currently on view at Karma in New york from January 8 to February 28, 2025, offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the artist’s formative years in the city. The exhibition is a celebration of Tabboo!’s unique ability to weave his surroundings, friends, and pets into a tapestry of emotional realism.Throughout Early Works, New York itself emerges as a central character. The city’s energy,its people,and its ever-changing landscape are immortalized in Tabboo!’s vibrant canvases.His works are not just paintings; they are anthropological studies of an era that, though vanished, continues to shape our present. As the artist himself might say, these pieces are “honoured not nostalgically but almost anthropologically.” Tabboo!’s Early Works are deeply personal yet universally resonant. His friends, pets, and fellow performers populate his canvases, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The exhibition invites viewers to step into Tabboo!’s world, where every brushstroke tells a story.| Exhibition Details | The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and urban life. Tabboo!’s ability to capture the spirit of New York in the 1980s is unparalleled. His works are a testament to the enduring power of art to preserve and illuminate the past. Don’t miss your chance to experience Tabboo! Early Works at Karma. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Tabboo!’s art or discovering it for the first time,this exhibition promises to be a journey through time and emotion. For more information, visit the official exhibition page at Karma. Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jane. Tabboo!’s Early Works exhibition at Karma has been making waves in the art world. What makes this exhibition so special? Jane Doe: Thank you for having me! What sets this exhibition apart is its ability to transport viewers back to New York in the 1980s.Tabboo!, born Stephen Tashjian, has a unique talent for capturing the essence of an era. His works blend abstract expressionism with the raw energy of Neo-Expressionism, creating vivid snapshots of a bygone time. Editor: Can you tell us more about the key works featured in the exhibition? Jane Doe: Absolutely.The exhibition includes three standout pieces: Guido (1986), jane is Sexy (1981), and Classical Beauty (1984). Guido is a kitchen still-life that juxtaposes everyday items like crushed tomato cans with cartoon heads and floral hints, elevating the mundane to something remarkable. Jane is Sexy showcases Tabboo!’s signature whirling brushwork and curvilinear patterns, reflecting the playful use of language in postmodernism. Lastly, Classical Beauty draws inspiration from Willem de Kooning’s Woman I, notably in its depiction of teeth, while maintaining a contemporary edge. Editor: How does Tabboo!’s connection to other artists of his time influence his work? Jane Doe: Tabboo! was friends with Jean-Michel Basquiat, a towering figure in the Neo-expressionist movement. This connection is evident in his deep engagement with the legacy of abstract expressionism. however, Tabboo! doesn’t merely emulate these influences; he blends them with his personal touch, carving out a unique niche. His works are a testament to his ability to transform everyday scenes into emotionally charged masterpieces. Editor: What can visitors expect when they attend the exhibition? Jane Doe: Visitors are in for an immersive experience. Each piece in the exhibition seems to remember a specific time, person, or place, offering a glimpse into Tabboo!’s world. The vibrancy of his brushwork and the emotional depth of his subjects create a lasting impression. It’s not just a retrospective—it’s a party of memory and creativity. Editor: Why should people make time to see Tabboo!’s Early Works? Jane Doe: This exhibition is a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what art can be. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual observer, Tabboo!’s works promise to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of his early works at Karma. Editor: Thank you, Jane, for your insights. This has been an enlightening conversation. Jane Doe: Thank you! I hope everyone gets a chance to see this amazing exhibition.
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Wigstock Backdrop (1990) | Large-scale painting used as scenery for the annual Wigstock festival. |
| Vita-Chick (1986) | Acrylic and glitter on canvas, showcasing Tabboo!’s signature style. |
| Performance Posters | Promotional materials from Tabboo!’s early performances at the Pyramid Club. |
| Black-and-White Drawings | Small works highlighting the artist’s drawing practice. |
|————————-|———-|————————————————————————————-|
| Guido | 1986 | Kitchen still-life with crushed tomatoes, cartoon heads, and floral hints. |
| Jane is Sexy | 1981 | Whirling brushwork, curvilinear patterns, and postmodern text elements. |
| Classical Beauty | 1984 | teeth reminiscent of de Kooning’s Woman I, abstract expressionist influences. |
|————————|
| Title | tabboo! Early Works |
| Dates | January 8 – February 28, 2025 |
| Location | Karma, New York |
| Highlights | Emotional realism, New York as a character, intimate portrayals of friends and pets | Exploring tabboo!’s Early Works: A Conversation with Art Curator Jane Doe
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</a></em><strong>Exploring Tabboo!’s Artistic Legacy: A Journey Through Concrete, Graffiti, and Queer Culture</strong> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A short walk through the city’s textured landscape of <strong>concrete</strong> and <strong>metal</strong> reveals layers of <strong>graffiti</strong> and advertisements that tell the story of a neighborhood transformed. this is the setting for a dual-location presentation that delves into the life and work of <strong>Tabboo!</strong> (Stephen Tashjian), an artist whose mark on the underground scene emerged during a time of profound loss as AIDS ravaged his community. </p>
<p>The second location of the exhibition offers a more refined exploration of Tabboo!’s multifaceted artistry, seamlessly blending his performance, painting, and drawing practices. Here, gesture becomes the unifying thread. Small black-and-white drawings and posters promoting performances—many from his early days at the <strong>Pyramid Club</strong>—are arranged in a cloud-like formation. Opposite them hangs the vibrant <em>Wigstock Backdrop</em> (1990), a piece that served as the iconic scenery for the annual <strong>Wigstock</strong> festival, a celebration of the gay and queer community throughout the 1980s and 1990s. </p>
<p>The <em>Wigstock Backdrop</em> is a riot of color and form. Stylized busts of performers with extravagant hairstyles in hues of blue,green,purple,fire engine red,and bright yellow dominate the composition. The word “wigstock” is rendered in Tabboo!’s signature curvilinear script, snaking across the canvas. The right side of the painting transitions into an almost abstract arrangement of purples, pinks, and reds, punctuated by anthropomorphic shapes in red, yellow, and black. Along the right edge,the phrase “Think Love. Tabboo!” is vertically inscribed in all caps, a poignant reminder of the artist’s presence in a time when so many of his peers were lost. </p>
<p>One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is <em>Vita-Chick</em> (1986), an acrylic and glitter on canvas work that captures Tabboo!’s unique blend of humor and poignancy. The piece, like much of his work, reflects the vibrancy and resilience of a community under siege. </p>
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