Christos Farantatos

Christos Farantatos, known as Tatos, creates art deeply rooted in his spiritual upbringing and cultural heritage. Born in 1961 during the Civil Rights Movement to a Black mother and Greek father, Tatos’ work reflects the racial injustices he was sheltered from as a child in rural Alabama, where he learned spirituality and craftsmanship from his grandmother. His early exposure to art came in Harlem, where his inspiring teacher introduced him to the masters like Picasso and Van Gogh, alongside literary giants such as James Baldwin and Malcolm X. The “Genesis Man,” a recurring figure in his work since his graffiti days on New York City subways, symbolizes his lifelong commitment to combating illiteracy and violence in Black communities.

Tatos’ career took off in the 1980s in Hell’s Kitchen, where he gained recognition for his bold, abstract works in oil, enamel, collages, and photographs. His art was regularly featured in prominent NYC galleries, including Green Street Gallery and Fun Gallery, and at the Times Square Art Shows. In the 1990s, his influence expanded beyond New York to galleries like The Nelson Macker Fine Art Gallery in Connecticut. Now residing in Westchester, Tatos continues to make an impact with his art, which speaks to social justice, African American culture, and the complexities of identity. His distinctive style, inspired by his heritage and personal experiences, remains both thought-provoking and transformative.