The Whitney Museum of American Art is currently hosting a captivating survey of artist Henry Taylor’s work titled “Henry Taylor: B Side.” Featuring over 70 paintings created from 1991 to 2022, the exhibition presents Taylor’s unique approach to painting. Through his artwork, Taylor skillfully explores various themes of Black life in America, touching upon family, friends, politics, culture, and social issues like incarceration and racial violence. Notable pieces within the exhibition include “Hammons meets a hyena on holiday” and a compelling double portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama. Taylor’s direct and tough paint handling captures the harshness and resilience of his subjects, while his portrait drawings of patients at the Camarillo State Mental Hospital demonstrate his ability to depict both the outward and inward lives of individuals. The exhibition, curated by Bennett Simpson and edited by artists, poets, or artist-poets, is organized into thematic sequences that delve into topics such as family, achievement, and social justice. With its emphasis on Taylor’s striking color sense and bold brushwork, the show also features three-dimensional works, including an installation paying homage to the Black Panthers. Highlighting important issues of racism and incarceration, Taylor’s mural “Warning Shots Not Required” featuring Stanley Tookie Williams demands attention. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this remarkable exhibition until January 28, 2024, at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Exhibition Overview
Title: Henry Taylor: B Side
Location: Whitney Museum of American Art
Dates: 1991-2022
The Whitney Museum is currently hosting a comprehensive survey of artist Henry Taylor’s work, titled “Henry Taylor: B Side.” Spanning from 1991 to 2022, the exhibition showcases over 70 paintings that exemplify Taylor’s unique approach to the medium.
Introduction to Henry Taylor
Taylor’s unique approach to painting
Exploration of themes of Black life in America
Direct and tough paint handling
Henry Taylor is renowned for his distinctive approach to painting. His artworks delve into the various facets of Black life in America, ranging from family and friendship to politics, culture, and social issues, such as racial violence and incarceration. Taylor’s paintings are characterized by his direct and tough paint handling, which conveys the resilience and harshness of his subjects.
Key Paintings in the Exhibition
Hammons meets a hyena on holiday
Double portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama
Among the notable paintings included in the exhibition, “Hammons meets a hyena on holiday” and a double portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama undoubtedly stand out. These paintings encapsulate Taylor’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects with vivid brushstrokes and a deep understanding of their significance in American culture and history. These artworks serve as powerful visual representations of both individual and collective stories.
Portrait Drawings at Camarillo State Mental Hospital
Taylor’s work with patients at the hospital
Depiction of exterior and interior lives
In addition to his paintings, the exhibition also features portrait drawings that Taylor created during his time working with patients at the Camarillo State Mental Hospital. Through these meticulous renderings, Taylor offers a nuanced exploration of the exterior and interior lives of his subjects, illuminating their struggles, hopes, and complexities. These drawings provide a profound insight into the human experiences within the mental health system.
Thematic Sequences
Organization by curator Bennett Simpson
Edited by artists, poets, or artist-poets
Exploration of family, achievement, and social justice
Focus on unusual color sense and bold brushwork
The exhibition is organized into thematic sequences by curator Bennett Simpson. These sequences are further enhanced by the collaboration of artists, poets, or artist-poets, who have contributed their unique perspectives and insights. The show delves into themes of family, achievement, and social justice, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of these subjects. Taylor’s unusual color sense and bold brushwork add another layer of depth to the exhibition, captivating viewers and inviting them to engage with the artworks on multiple levels.
Three-Dimensional Works
Installation paying homage to the Black Panthers
Within the exhibition space, there are also three-dimensional works that epitomize Taylor’s commitment to social activism. One notable installation pays homage to the Black Panthers, showcasing Taylor’s introspective examination of the Black Power movement and its ongoing significance in contemporary society. Through this installation, viewers are encouraged to reflect on the importance of collective action, self-empowerment, and the fight against systemic oppression.
Exploration of Social Issues
Racism and incarceration
Mural depicting Stanley Tookie Williams
Notably, the exhibition draws attention to pressing social issues, such as racism and incarceration. Taylor’s art serves as a powerful platform for shining a spotlight on these systemic problems, further contributing to ongoing conversations about racial inequality and the need for reform. One striking example is Taylor’s mural titled “Warning Shots Not Required,” which depicts Stanley Tookie Williams, a prominent figure in the fight against gang violence and a symbol of redemption within the criminal justice system. Through this mural, Taylor challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of the prison-industrial complex while also celebrating the resilience and potential for change.
Duration of Exhibition
Dates: Until January 28, 2024
The Henry Taylor: B Side exhibition will remain open to the public until January 28, 2024, at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taylor’s thought-provoking and impactful artworks, experiencing a comprehensive representation of his artistic journey from 1991 to 2022. This exhibition serves as a testament to the power of art in amplifying marginalized voices, sparking conversations, and fostering social change.
