Taylor Simmons is an Atlanta-born artist whose journey into the world of art began with a transformative experience at The High Museum. Growing up in a neighborhood where artistic expression was scarce, Taylor's father made the decision to move their family to the countryside in Douglasville to provide a better environment. However, it was Taylor's early exposure to art at a young age that sparked a deep passion within him. A visit to The High Museum's Picasso exhibit introduced him to the power of unconventional art forms, allowing him to realize that paintings don't need to adhere to traditional standards to convey a message. This newfound freedom inspired Taylor to explore his own artistic talents.
Throughout his childhood and into middle school, Taylor's artistic pursuits evolved, driven by his love for comic books and film. While initially interested in storyboard storytelling, he discovered a deeper connection to the concept of telling an entire story within a single scene, much like the work of Norman Rockwell. This realization shaped his artistic approach, infusing his creations with narratives that captivate viewers and invite them to explore the deeper meanings behind his work.
Taylor's artistic journey has been filled with experimentation and exploration. From screen printing and illustration to creating custom tees for his friends, he delved into various mediums to bring his visions to life. However, it was his experiences during the pandemic that propelled him to take his art more seriously. Recovering from a life-threatening accident, Taylor gained a newfound appreciation for life and the impact of his creative expressions on others.
Inspired by the support he received from his community, Taylor started creating thought-provoking images that resonated deeply with people. One such project involved designing tees that addressed social issues and donating a portion of the proceeds to relevant causes. The overwhelming positive response from others wearing his art provided him with a sense of validation and confidence in his creative abilities. Taylor's work began to transcend the personal realm, connecting with a wider audience and leaving a lasting impact.
Taylor's upcoming museum show in China marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey. Through his paintings, he plans to tell a cohesive narrative, carefully curating each piece to form a larger story when exhibited together. This thematic approach showcases his unique ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions through his art.
The paintings in his upcoming show delve into the concept of the pageantry of masculinity, examining the societal expectations and rules that govern how men present themselves. Inspired by the artist's own experiences and observations, the work explores the showmanship and display inherent in the idea of being a man, particularly in the Southern United States. There is a fascination with the absurdity of these regulations and the question of who exactly men are trying to impress. Taylor also delves into the complexities of toxic masculinity, where displays of strength, physical fitness, or material possessions often garner more attention and validation from other men rather than women.
Taylor’s commentary states the black community, especially in the South, there is an interplay between inherited cultural practices and Western ideals of masculinity. This fusion of influences creates a unique dynamic, shaping the way Southern black men express and embody their masculinity. Taylor’s creative process is intuitive, allowing subconscious thoughts and experiences to guide the paintings. Through self-analysis and introspection, the work becomes a means of exploring his own psyche and confronting personal issues and beliefs. The show follows a narrative to the hero's journey, with stages of challenges, triumphs, and moments of faltering, but deliberately avoids depicting a rebirth or resurrection, exploring the intriguing finality of life and the impact of different hero narratives on our collective consciousness. The culmination of the show features a smaller painting of a funeral, sourced from found photos that evoke nostalgia and cultural significance, underscoring the complexities of toxic masculinity and societal expectations through the depiction of uncles, who often embody traditional masculinity in the narrative.
As Taylor reflects on his past, he recognizes the pivotal moments that have shaped his artistic identity. The combination of his upbringing, exposure to influential exhibitions, and the challenges he faced during the pandemic have deepened his commitment to pursuing his artistic path. Taylor's art serves as a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of creativity, as he continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his thought-provoking and narrative-driven work.