Tara Zanzig is an artist working and living in Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago in 2001. You can find many of her murals throughout the city of Chicago. Tara has recently exhibited at Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery (Chicago, IL).
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
I grew up in Jupiter, Florida and moved to Chicago in 1998. I have an older brother, Blair, and a younger brother, Blake. Yellow and pink are my favorite colors. Im pretty straightforward. Not really interested in fancy things. What I do is try to make a sustainable life through art and its practice. For me this means allowing opportunity and experiences to feed my work and support my livelihood. In turn, I hope to contribute to this human experience and provide something to engage in. I feel I’m best able to connect with people through art – making, showing, viewing, collaborating, teaching…
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on?
I’m pretty excited to be designing and printing the posters and ephemera for Girls Rock! Chicago this year. I’m also working on getting some murals outside of Chicago.
What kinds of things are influencing your work right now?
Scale. Juxtaposition. Capitalism. Peace.
What artists are you interested in right now?
Ruben Aguirre (likes_1) and Greve (knowtrespassing). They’re both Chicago artists. My perception and appreciation of what they do isn’t just what’s on the wall.
Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your work?
Worst: Some one told me, “You can’t pull it off. You need to practice and learn some manners.”
Best: Whenever some one purchases the work to hang in their environment.
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If you could own a piece of art by any living artist, what would it be (or whose)?
I own plenty of art by living artists. Living Chicago artists at that, but I know you mean the unattainable kind so it would be The Physical Impossibility of Death In The Mind Of Someone Living by Damien Hirst. It’s the epitome of conceptual art. And irreverant.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
Chicago style pizza
What do you do when you’re not working on art?
Hah. Sleeping?! Jk Tasting beers with my boyfriend Andy.
If people want to see your work where should they go?
You can find my work at popular street art spots from Bridgeport to Logan. However, the best stuff is off the beaten path or where you wouldn’t expect. I most recently completed a 3250 square foot mural on the corner of Wabash and 11th. I’ve hung in museums and galleries around Chicago and the midwest. Follow my IG (@tararchy) or friend me on FB to find new work and exhibitions.