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"The Milkshake Mop" -
"The Peach" -
"Vamp Playdate" -
"The Commoner" -
"Home School Tiger" -
"Mister Magic Touch" -
"The Neighbourhood Watch" -
"Running The Show" -
"Lunch Club"
INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES courtesy of Michael Taylor and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Last year, we were lucky enough to get a glimpse into renowned Cape Town artist Michael Taylor’s personal art collection, which included some of his own colourful works. Here, we chat to him about the inspiration behind his latest exhibition at WHATIFTHEWORLD.
What do you love most about creating art?
Being able to create any possible narrative and whichever character I choose to, whenever I want to. I get to spend time doing what makes me feel very satisfied, and I’m lucky to be able to do so.
What is your favourite thing about your current exhibition, Trophies, at WHATIFTHEWORLD?
The focus is on individual characters, for a change, and that’s really exciting. There’s a warm, golden glow about them. Lots of yellow, gold and ochre, which always makes me happy.
Who inspired your “everyday heroes” for Trophies?
Nobody in particular. It seemed like a good time to single out certain ideas that I generally explore in group portraiture. And possibly, together, they all stand for a self portrait?
How does colour affect your subject matter?
Greatly. From the chosen outline colour to the hues affecting the play between the foreground and background. Colour in my work carries its own narrative, so to speak. Working with golden yellows has possibly even brought on a change of attitude in most of the characters’ expressions.
Does South Africa (or Cape Town) inspire your work in any way?
It probably isn’t always obvious, but yes, our climate and suburban ideas influence my narratives and themes.
Any exciting plans for 2016?
I’m doing a solo show in Sydney in May. I’m making large scale drawings interpreting one of my favourite poems, The Jungle Husband by Stevie Smith. I’ve recently started making ceramic work again too and I’m very interested to see how it will link up with the drawings.
To view more of Michael’s work, visit michaeltaylor.co.za. The Trophies exhibition is on at WHATIFTHEWORLD until 17 October 2015.
