HENRY TAYLOR: PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
“Maybe as you get older, you’re trying to pay homage to people that you care about, who’ve been an influence and who’ve been in the struggle, you know what I’m saying?” — Henry Taylor
Born and raised in California as the youngest of eight children, much of Henry Taylor’s body of work is heavily influenced by life experiences, as many artists are. What sets Taylor apart is his ability to convey profound messages through seemingly imperfect mediums—his disproportionate and sometimes unfinished paintings and structures. His art embodies the essence of human connections, social dynamics, and the rawness of everyday life.
The people Taylor has encountered and the stories he has absorbed fuel the authenticity and depth of his creations. His embrace of disproportion and unfinished elements challenges conventional notions of flawlessness in art. Instead, he leverages these characteristics to evoke a sense of rawness and authenticity. The very blemishes within his work serve as pipeline for conveying unfiltered emotions and thought-provoking commentary, forging a familiar connection with those who engage with his art. Despite its unconventional nature, Taylor skillfully communicates powerful messages that resonate with viewers on a visceral level — there’s a transcendence of traditional artistic boundaries, inviting audiences to engage with the emotional narratives embedded within each piece. Through bold strokes, vivid colors, and unrefined textures, Taylor captures the essence of human existence, often shedding light on societal issues and personal experiences.
After viewing Taylor’s Exhibition B Side at The Whitney, and having been met with his work up close and in person, you’re instantly met with the impact made by those he has encountered and the profound impact of his life's journey on his art. The presence of his brother, Randy, as a prominent figure in many of his works, speaks volumes about the deep influence of familial ties. It becomes evident that Randy's exposure of Taylor to the Black Panther Party during their upbringing in Oakland, California, has left a lasting mark on Taylor's artistic expression.
Through his art, Taylor found a way to honor and memorialize the individuals he encountered, creating a powerful connection between his profession and his passion. As his art studio is in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, he also encounters many who live on Skid Row, and not only immortalizes them through paintings, but he also often connects with his subjects on a personal level, forging many friendships through conversations that are had during these encounters. Taylor's story is a testament to the transformative power of art and the profound impact of genuine human connection - his empathy, nurtured through his profession, has rippled into his art. As a nurse in the mental health field for ten years, he began to sketch portraits of his patients, capturing their unique personalities and inner struggles with poignant detail.
The layers of homage dispensed are not simply brushstrokes or sculptures; they are living testaments to the voices that have resonated in the artist’s life and continue to echo through his art. Taylor intricately intertwines the narratives of his loved ones and the socio-political movements that have shaped his worldview.
In its entirety, Exhibition B Side transcends being merely a display of art; it is a profound exploration of interconnectedness, resilience, and the perpetual dialogue between personal narratives and societal flux. Henry Taylor's ability to distill and magnify the human experience saturates his exhibition with a potent poignancy that is not easily forgotten.
Henry Taylor paints from a space where imperfections are not flaws to be hidden but rather embraced as integral parts of the beauty of his pieces. His approach to visual art draws parallels with a musician composing music, highlighting the organic and raw essence of the creative process. Every stroke of paint and each imperfection on the canvas is akin to the soulful notes and nuanced rhythms found in a musical composition. Just as a musician cherishes every note, Taylor values every brushstroke, recognizing that each contributes to the depth and character of the artwork. Furthermore, Taylor rejects the notion of creating art merely for perfection's sake. Instead, he finds beauty in the authenticity and rawness of the process, much like the tracks tucked away on the B side of a 45-vinyl record. These tracks may not take center stage, but they hold a unique allure, representing a genuine and unfiltered expression that is appreciated for what it is. Just as a piece of music is not judged solely by its catchiest tune, an artwork should not be solely evaluated by its flawless execution.
In a world captivated by curated perfection, Taylor's philosophy serves as a refreshing reminder to embrace the raw, unrefined elements of creation. His art speaks not only of brushstrokes and colors but of authenticity and reverence for the imperfect, just as we appreciate the evocative melodies tucked away on the B side of a vinyl record.
Henry Taylor's artistic journey exemplifies the profound impact of personal experiences and human connections on creative expression. He captures the essence of individuals, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their lives and the broader societal implications of their experiences. He infuses his artwork with powerful narratives and socio-political commentary, which sets him apart as an artist who not only captures the visual essence of his subjects but also delves into the underlying stories that define them. In doing so, Taylor's work serves as a platform for provoking thought and reflection on the intersections of art, politics, and human experience. His ability to weave compelling narratives through unconventional artistic forms is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and resonate with the human spirit.
A glimpse of The Whitney's Exhibition: 'Henry Taylor B Side' in "Reel Time."