Henry Taylor was born in 1958 in Ventura, California. He was introduced to painting by his father, also a painter, and attended the California Institute of Art, receiving his BFA in 1995.

That Was Then is highly representative of Taylor’s work. He paints people but does not want to be seen as a portraitist. He searches for and chooses his subjects carefully and paints each as a piece of a cultural narrative he is trying to capture with paint and brush in fast, broad strokes of truth and pain. He paints within this concept and with deep respect for each person he shares. His work is part of prominent public collections around the country. This painting is part of his Henry Taylor: B Side Exhibit currently at the Whitney Museum in New York City.  Henry Taylor received the Robert DeNiro Sr. Prize in 2018 for outstanding achievement in painting.

The power of seeing these large format pieces is difficult to describe. As you approach each loosely painted composition your awareness and your sadness close in. You step into the story of an elderly man who wears years and years of disrespect, here surrounded by his label and followed by a dark, dark shadow. His downturned eyes break your heart. You whisper your apology.

Henry Taylor shows us racism. He helps us feel shame and admit the privilege that has lifted us up while so many have been held down. He calls us to confession and prayers for justice and repairing wrongs. We give thanks for his work. Amen. 

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church