American artist Al Taylor (1948–1999) is best known for his three-dimensional work that began in 1985, but he always considered himself a painter rather than a sculptor throughout his career. This time, the David Zwirner Gallery in Hong Kong will proudly present the artist’s first solo exhibition in Asia. The exhibition will feature works from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, showcasing Taylor’s transition from canvas painting to three-dimensional structures.
Taylor flexibly uses a variety of creative media to explore new ways of experiencing and imagining space, expanding the possibilities of viewing. His richly layered sensory exploration allows the audience to understand the artist’s unique thinking, creative methodology, and playful sense of humor. This exhibition will focus on the use of color in the artist’s different media, emphasizing the formal elements in his work visually.
The exhibition will present a series of Taylor’s early paintings, which blend different forms to combine abstract compositions and hidden narratives. Although these works subtly embody simplification and restraint, they also resist rigid creative expression with playful hints. In some later paintings, the artist focuses more on bold color arrangements and whimsical imagery to cut through space and enrich the composition. Taylor’s creations, which combine painting and sculptural elements, have a unique flowing rhythm, thus opening up multiple viewing perspectives.
In addition, the exhibition will also include several works from Taylor’s “Swahili Time” series (1981-1983), which were created by the artist after his trip to Africa in 1980. The works consist of multiple individual newspaper drawings arranged in irregular circular patterns by Taylor, which are then collaged onto canvas or painted wooden backboards.
The bold use of color in the work implies a shattered alphabet or simple clock parts, as if they were subtly advancing time. Through these associations, Taylor explores multi-dimensional space and fluid linear motion in his unique style, opening up the boundaries of the painting plane.
Taylor believes that his sculptures are “visual tools,” often created from non-traditional materials and sometimes incorporating simple yet humorous elements. This exhibition will present works from Taylor’s “Latin Studies” series, marking the artist’s transition from canvas painting to his first three-dimensional piece.
右：Al Taylor, [no title], 1987-1988 Wooden broomsticks with enamel paint and Luan panel with spray paint mounted on plywood with housepaint 172.1 x 27.9 x 64.8 cm
© The Estate of Al Taylor Courtesy The Estate of Al Taylor and David Zwirner
This will also include several sculptures from Taylor’s “Broomstick” series, created between 1986 and 1992, consisting of various colorful wooden broomsticks collected by the artist from the streets of New York. These assembled works delve into the experience of viewing and perception, exploring lines, shadows, and perspectives, moving between three-dimensionality and two-dimensionality.
The works in the exhibition “The Game of Colors” engage in dialogue with each other, showcasing the artist’s experimental and free creativity, as well as his playful exploration of colors, forms, and mediums. You are welcome to visit the gallery in person to appreciate them!
“Al Taylor: The Play of Color”
Date: From now until October 22 (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Gagosian Gallery, 5-6/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Image source and learn more: David Zwirner Gallery, Al Taylor Art Estate
