Henry Taylor: B Side

Oct 4, 2023–Jan 28, 2024

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A Jack Move—Proved It

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Most often based on iconic photographs of figures who have played a significant role in the larger cultural narrative, these paintings serve as powerful visual symbols of Black accomplishment and aspiration. Historically, portraits have been used to communicate authority, achievement, and social standing. Taylor's depictions of legendary figures within the Black community who have broken barriers and achieved world-changing political, artistic, or athletic success, advance this tradition. In honoring these figures, Taylor signals to the remarkable feats of ambition and overcoming that have inspired him.

A baseball player in a white Dodgers jersey sliding with his hat fallen off.
A close up portrait of a couple, man and woman, sitting on a brown sofa against a blue background and green plant leaves.
A Black man stands to the center-left, dressed in regal attire. His black suit and pants are heavily decorated with gold medals and embellishments, and a bright green sash hangs across his torso. Behind him is a throne and beside him, to the left, is a wooden end table. The background is an orange-brown color, and in the top right corner of the painting, the words "TUPAC COFFEE" are written in blue letters.
A closeup portrait of a Black man in a suit and tie. He appears to be standing in front of a neighborhood street, as a road, sidewalk, bushes, and a wooden fence are visible in the background.
A painting of Martin Luther King Jr. and four children standing on a grassy lawn. Trees and a driveway are visible behind them. King is wearing a suit and tie and has his right arm outstretched before him, appearing to have just thrown a football that is visible in the upper left corner of the painting. The children’s eyes are focused on the football. Three lighter skinned onlookers are visible in the background, on the left side of the painting.
A painting of a Black female figure mid-jump in front of a row of houses. She is suspended in the air, pictured against a clear blue sky. Her right arm is bent in a right angle, her left arm outstretched to the side, and her legs are folded sideways. She is wearing white shorts and a white t shirt which has “TUSKEGE” written in black letters across the chest. Her face has no visible features.

On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

On the Hour projects can contain motion and sound. To respect your accessibility settings autoplay is disabled.