About

Ricky Tate was born in London in 1978, but his creative journey truly began in Cyprus, where his family relocated shortly after his birth and where he continues to live and create today.

Art was in Ricky’s blood from the beginning. His mother, a talented designer in her own right, once created clothing for none other than David Bowie, a legacy of fearless creativity that left an indelible mark on Ricky’s imagination. His father, meanwhile, played a quieter but no less pivotal role: recognizing Ricky’s artistic potential early on, he provided the right kind of encouragement at crucial moments, most notably, supporting and guiding Ricky toward enrolling in university.

From an early age, Ricky showed a passion for art, nurtured by an inspiring teacher, Mr. Glen Hughes, at the Junior School. It was there he learned a lesson that would shape his artistic philosophy: in art, there are no mistakes. Though high school offered no formal art classes, Ricky couldn’t help but turn every textbook into a sketchbook, a quiet rebellion of creativity in a world constantly urging him to be “serious.”

At 17, Ricky pursued his passion academically, enrolling in a graphic design course at the University of Nicosia. One of his standout memories from this time was having his work stolen at a university exhibition, an act he chose to interpret as the highest compliment.

After university, Ricky shifted focus to commercial design, co-managing Micromania, a bicycle and outdoor distribution company. There, he channeled his creative energy into branding, logo design, and promotional campaigns. Art, for art’s sake, took a back seat, but it never left him.

In 2012, Ricky returned to painting with renewed passion. His first public exhibition came in 2018, as part of the Undiscovered Artists and The Taste Of Waste Project, a pivotal moment that reintroduced his work to a wider audience. That same year, he was honored with an invitation to join the Association of Mediterranean Artists (AMA).

Today, Ricky continues to explore and evolve through his art, blending the freedom of his early inspirations with the depth and resilience gained through life and experience.