Hauser & Wirth’s new exhibition in Paris « From sugar to Shit » unveil the stunning works of Los Angeles artist Henry Taylor. This exhibition marks the artist’s first major show in France, offering a rare opportunity for the Parisian art community to experience the captivating breadth of his practice. Taylor’s exhibition in Paris is set to feature over 30 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, inviting viewers into a world where traditional painting is embraced and rejected simultaneously, and where labels fail to capture the essence of his art.

For over four decades, Henry Taylor has forged a path through the art world that defies easy categorization. His diverse body of work combines figurative, landscape, and history painting with elements of drawing, installation, and sculpture. The result is a deeply personal, multifaceted narrative that draws from his own life, the communities he holds close, and poignant historical and pop-culture references. In Taylor’s hands, art becomes a conduit for exploring human connections, leading us on a journey through his captivating artistic landscape. In preparation for this exhibition, Henry Taylor embarked on a residency in Paris during the summer of 2023, immersing himself in the city’s rich art history. The city’s renowned art collections, including the Musée d’Orsay, provided him with inspiration from French impressionists, expressionists, and fauvists, whose works have influenced him since his early days as an artist. Taylor’s keen awareness of art history, as well as his respect for his predecessors and contemporaries, is palpable throughout his work. Influences ranging from Pablo Picasso to Marcel Duchamp, Phyllida Barlow, Philip Guston, and others are interwoven into his creations.

Sculpture plays a pivotal role in Taylor’s artistic practice. His method involves energetically assembling an array of collected objects, from bottle caps to toilet paper rolls, creating a holistic record of his daily life. He refers to this process as ‘hunting and gathering,’ seamlessly merging historical and contemporary references into sharp focus. In the Paris exhibition, you’ll encounter assemblages made from everyday objects, such as detergent and milk bottles, furniture, and other materials. These sculptures not only challenge established art historical tropes but also echo the spirit of Duchamp’s readymade art. Taylor’s encyclopedic command of historical knowledge shines through these works, alongside his paintings that depict various figures from history and present.

Taylor’s art is fundamentally about relationships and their profound impact on our lives. While his work often features people, he resists the label of a portraitist. His paintings encompass subjects from all walks of life and historical contexts, frequently including family members and friends. One striking piece in the exhibition, ‘I got brothers ALL OVA the world but they forget we’re related’ (2023), depicts Taylor’s brothers and friends against a backdrop that cleverly resembles the classic American bubble gum brand ‘VICTORY.’ This playful visual punning is a hallmark of Taylor’s work, where symbols seamlessly shift between different representations. In this case, the allusion to bubblegum serves as a nod to youth and a celebration of graduation day. Taylor’s art is a celebration of connection and empathy. His lush, rapid, and loose depictions capture the nuances and moods of his subjects, with bold, saturated acrylic colors contrasting rich and intricate details. His brushwork is an intricate network of kinetic strokes that seek to capture the essence of a feeling before it escapes. His subjects, ranging from community members to symbolic objects representing historical struggles, create a holistic visual biography—a permanent record of individuals and their stories.

Henry Taylor, based in Los Angeles, has gained recognition for his exceptional artistry. His largest survey exhibition to date, ‘Henry Taylor: B Side,’ is currently on display at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. His work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions across the United States, and his pieces can be found in prominent public collections around the world. Henry Taylor’s art is an evocative journey through history and human connections, a testament to the power of art to tell multifaceted stories that touch the heart and soul.

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Henry Taylor, One tree per family , 2023, Mixed media , Photo: Jeff McLane

Henry Taylor, Michelle , 2023, Acrylic on canvas, Photo: Nicolas Brasseur

Henry Taylor, Untitled, 2022, Mixed media, Photo: Jeff McLane

Henry Taylor , Blue Me, 2022, Mixed media, Photo: Jeff McLane

Henry Taylor, Untitled, 2022, Mixed media, Photo: Jeff McLane

Henry Taylor, For those… who ask, ‘Do you paint white people?’ , 2022 , Acrylic on canvas, Photo: Jeff McLane

Henry Taylor, got, get, gone, but don’t you think you should give it back?, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, Photo: Nicolas Brasseur