Tom Geleb : biography

Tom GELEB, whose real name is Thomas GELEBART, is a self-taught French artist born in 1986 in Brest. After growing up in French Polynesia, a region that continues to fuel his artistic inspiration, he settled in Paris. The profound impact of the 2015 Paris attacks directed his artistic approach toward exploring love, the central emotion of his work.

A recurring element in his creations is the character Téva, a "heart blower" who symbolizes love and kindness. The name Téva, which means "the great traveler" and "the shower of love" in Tahitian, captures the essence of this character who journeys through Tom’s art to spread love. Téva is often depicted in black and white, with motifs reminiscent of traditional Polynesian tattoos, reflecting the artist’s cultural roots.

Tom GELEB uses various mediums for his works, ranging from canvases and drawings to graffiti and urban collages, allowing Téva to integrate into the daily life of passersby in the streets of Paris. Each appearance of Téva in public spaces is an evocative scene, a constant reminder that love can and should be present in every daily gesture.

In addition to his work on canvas and in the streets, Tom GELEB also innovated with the creation of a digital advent calendar in 2021, combining original drawings and poems. This initiative shows his desire to push the boundaries of his artistic expression and engage his audience in an interactive and contemporary manner.

The artistic universe of Tom GELEB is therefore not limited to galleries and urban spaces but extends into the digital realm, where he continues to explore new ways to communicate about love and humanity through art.