PAST PROJECT

ABOUT

Tomatâ du Plenty, born David Xavier Harrigan in New York,Adopted his stage name after moving to California and immersing himself in the vibrant counterculture movement. He emerged as a prominent figure in the avant-garde art and music scenes of the 1970s.

Tomatâ was a key figure in the punk and new wave movements, known for flamboyant, boundary-pushing performances. He was a founding member of the influential performance art group The Cockettes in San Francisco. Later moving to Los Angeles, he founded the seminal synth-punk band The Screamers. From 1977 through 1979, the Screamers became a sensation in rock clubs, selling out the Whisky a Go Go and becoming the first band without a recording contract to headline the Roxy on Sunset Boulevard.

Time in South Florida

In the late 1980s, Tomatâ relocated to South Florida, collaborating with local artists on South Beach. His work often focused on his favorite personalities, authors, and social archetypes. His paintings were frequently featured in local haunts, including bars like the Hamlet and laundry mats. He was often seen dressed in a suit, carrying a briefcase full of artwork, selling paintings for as little as 10 to 25 dollars.

Tomatâ du Plenty passed away on March 2, 2000, in Los Angeles.