A renowned Colombian artist, known for his iconic posters that have graced street protests and rock concerts, is now leaving his indelible mark on the historic downtown of Verona, Wisconsin. Tavo Garavato, a celebrated screenprinter with a portfolio boasting collaborations with artists like Foo Fighters, Iggy Pop, Cafe Tacvba, and Juanes, has taken his artistry to new heights by adorning the walls of a historic building in Verona.
For over two decades, Garavato’s artistry has transcended borders, capturing the essence of cultural movements and music scenes. His towering street art can be found on multi-story buildings in downtown Bogotá, Colombia, and his designs have adorned everything from jackets to guitars, courtesy of collaborations with brands like Levi’s and Gibson.
This year, however, marks a significant milestone for Tavo Garavato as he embarks on his first artistic venture in the United States, invited by the owners of Alice Good Coffee shop at 300 S. Main Street in Verona. The coffee shop, founded by a group of four, three of whom hail from Colombia, was inspired by a profound connection to Garavato’s art.
In 2021, while residing in Colombia, the coffee shop’s owners bore witness to nationwide protests against a controversial tax proposal and other social issues. The iconic image that became synonymous with these protests—a raised fist against a red background—was none other than Garavato’s creation, generously shared for free. The image resonated with Colombians around the world, and its widespread use even led to file-sharing site WeTransfer temporarily shutting down Garavato’s account. In response, the artist painted a colossal version of the image on the Monumento de los Héroes, a gesture that drew global attention.
Sara Serrato, one of the owners of Alice Good, expressed the profound impact of Garavato’s art, saying, “His art touched us so deeply. It’s the kind of art that moves your heart and soul in so many ways.”
The coffee shop’s mission goes beyond serving coffee; it aims to support Colombian producers by importing everything, from coffee to T-shirts, directly from Colombia, ensuring that a larger share of profits reaches the producers. This vision led them to envision Garavato’s art gracing the walls of their establishment from the very beginning.
With the coffee shop celebrating its first anniversary, Garavato seized the opportunity to travel to Wisconsin and create his mural. The project’s scope expanded when the coffee shop owners shared their plans with the building’s landlords, Lainie and Ben Eustice, resulting in two murals instead of one.
Lainie Eustice explained that Garavato’s art deeply resonated with her, particularly his depictions of “women fighting and persevering.” The Eustices were thrilled to learn that Garavato was finally coming to Verona.
Garavato’s murals join a growing collection of street art on Verona’s Main Street. Other businesses in the area have also embraced the trend, with Toot + Kate’s Wine Bar and Miller & Son’s Supermarket receiving new murals in the summer of 2022.
The Verona Area Chamber of Commerce is enthusiastic about the increasing presence of murals and plans to support additional mural projects at area businesses in the coming year.
Garavato’s murals at Alice Good Coffee shop carry profound themes tied to social justice. One mural showcases peonies, symbolizing rebirth, alongside an angel holding a bicycle handlebar—a tribute to those who have been forcibly disappeared. At the center, an upturned palm represents the coffee growers behind the business, shedding light on the often-overlooked labor behind a morning cup of coffee.
The second mural, designed to be viewed with anaglyphic 3D glasses, addresses Latin America’s femicide epidemic. When viewers alternate between viewing with the left and right eye, they will see two superimposed images—a woman with a flowered bandana and a blue skull. Beside each image are the words, “Don’t forget that you’re alive,” echoing the words of Joe Strummer of The Clash.
For Tavo Garavato, these murals represent a deeper connection to his art and a meaningful way to leave his mark on Verona. As these vibrant artworks grace the streets of Verona, they aim to symbolize a warm welcome, connections across cultures, and a source of positivity for all who encounter them.