Henry Taylor: The African American Figure Painter Who Changed the Way We See Ourselves

Henry Taylor (born 1958) is one of the most celebrated African American figurative painters working today. His paintings are known for their bold colors, intimate portraits, and raw emotional power. Taylor's work often explores themes of race, identity, and community, and he has been praised for his ability to capture the humanity and resilience of his subjects.

Taylor was born in Ventura, California, and grew up in Los Angeles. He began painting at a young age, and was inspired by the work of artists such as David Hammons, Romare Bearden, and Jacob Lawrence. After graduating from high school, Taylor worked as a psychiatric nurse for several years before devoting himself to painting full-time. 

Taylor's subjects are often drawn from his own community and social circle. He paints his friends, family, neighbors, and strangers alike. His work captures the diversity of Black life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Taylor is also interested in exploring the historical and cultural experiences of Black people in America. His paintings often depict scenes of everyday life, but they also reference historical events and figures.

He uses his art to give voice to the marginalized and to challenge stereotypes about Black people. Taylor's paintings are also a celebration of Black culture and resilience.Taylor's paintings are often executed quickly and intuitively, and he often works from memory or from photographs of friends and family members. His subjects range from everyday people to celebrities, and he often depicts them in their homes or communities. Taylor's paintings are also known for their use of bold colors and loose brushstrokes, which create a sense of energy and movement.

In recent years, Taylor's work has been exhibited at major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Tate Modern in London. He has also received numerous awards and honors, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the National Medal of Arts.

Henry Taylor is one of the most important and influential figurative painters working today. His work has changed the way we see ourselves and has had a profound impact on the world of contemporary art. Taylor's paintings are a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of art to transform lives. Exhibition at Hauser & Wirth