ARTIST: STEVEN CW TAYLOR
Art Histories are highly curated presentations of an artists’ life’s work provided for appreciators today, scholars of tomorrow, and generations to come.
Steven CW Taylor is a Gallerist and Contemporary Fine Art Photographer specializing in the documentation and archiving of Black Life during this time. He is the founding artist and curator of Ubuntu Fine Art -Philadelphia’s first and only Black-owned Fine Art Photography Gallery of a single artist.
Born and raised in the East Germantown section of Philadelphia, Taylor provides his community with access to Fine Art, music, and art education. Having traveled to 18 countries, and 4 US National Parks, it is important for Steven to share his photography intentionally with his community. Taylor’s current exhibition features his new work from Black Lives Matter protests and the close-knit community of Germantown. Taylor’s ability to bond with his subjects, dedication to sharing positive images of his contemporaries, and a commitment to technical innovation drive his artwork and gallery to excellence.
“Be it an animal, person, or place, the process is the same…I don’t take pictures, I feel the emotions of space and steal that time.”
COLLECTION: Through The Lens of Witness
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Artist Statement
Under the alias "The Time Thief," I'm sharing "Through the Lens of Witness," a close look at the complex situations I experienced during the George Floyd protests in Philadelphia on May 30th, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, sparked worldwide protests against police violence and systemic racism. As a photographer, I feel a duty to document my present contemporary experiences for future humans, taking inspiration from the iconic Gordon Parks and using photographic activism as my chosen form of artistic expression.
Deeply immersed in the protests, I was able to capture the raw emotions and energy of the people involved. Converting the sensory experiences of sight, sound, and smell into images that make you think, reveals the complicated relationship between law enforcement and protesters. These photographs, taken against the backdrop of Philadelphia's historic City Hall area, draw attention to the tension and challenges communities face while seeking justice and equality, and questioning the role of law enforcement in maintaining fairness. This photographic journey underlines the uncomfortable truth that prioritizing the protection of property can contribute to racial injustice and violence.
"Through the Lens of Witness" incorporates the philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing our shared human connections, and aims to ignite ongoing conversations about our collective responsibility in building a kind and inclusive world. I encourage you to explore the bravery and diverse personal experiences of those who marched during the George Floyd protests in Philadelphia. Together, we create a visual story that captures the spirit of change and the quest for a more equitable society for the generations to come.
AWARD
Philadelphia Association of Black Jounalists
2023 Visual Journalist of the Year
Visionary Founder & Chief Curator Steven CW Taylor of Ubuntu Fine Art receives the 2023 Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Visual Journalist of the Year Award for producing photography and art that captures the beauty, community, challenges, culture and love of the Black community.
COLLECTION: EAST MEETS WEST: A Visual Harmony on Washi
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Artist Statement
"East Meets West: A Visual Harmony on Washi" is a profoundly personal study of the separate but interconnected neighborhoods of East and West Germantown. I was born in East Germantown and now run my Ubuntu Fine Art gallery in West Germantown. My goal is to honor both areas with striking monochrome images, revealing their individual charm and the lively essence that binds them together. The display highlights their toughness, allure, and collective experiences as seen through the lives of their inhabitants.
The images are printed on handmade unryu washi paper from the famous Awagami Factory in Japan, a family-managed business with a history extending over three centuries. This extraordinary paper brings a delightful touch to the pictures, additionally emphasizing the essence of the Germantown communities. Motivated by my affection for Japanese anime, which merges profound regard for cultural heritage with advanced technology, the employment of unryu paper combines old and new aspects, symbolizing the ongoing cultural dialogue between East and West.
Adopting the Ubuntu philosophy, which stresses mutual dependence, kindness, and the conviction that our welfare is connected to others, "East Meets West" salutes Germantown's fortitude, charm, and variety. This display encourages visitors to immerse themselves in these neighborhoods' distinctive dynamics and collective experiences, deepening their insight via the viewpoint of their residents. By embodying the essence of Ubuntu, the display promotes a stronger sense of fellowship, understanding, and harmony among those who experience its visual symphony.
COLLECTION: THE TIME THIEF
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Artist Statement
"The Time Thief" Collection is Ubuntu Fine Art's inaugural exhibition, named after my moniker, Steven CW Taylor - The Time Thief. This global collection aims to showcase my versatility as a photographer and a storyteller, capturing moments that embody the spirit of Ubuntu - unity in diversity.
The collection is an expedition into culturally diverse environments from Abu Dhabi, Barbados, Brazil, Bali, Paris, Kenya to Horseshoe Bend and Lower Antelope Canyon in Arizona, Glacier National Park in Montana, National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland, and my beloved home, Philadelphia. Each locale offers a unique vista of human experience and the imprints of my time on these lands.
The exhibition comprises a variety of photographs that speak the universal language of visual expression, immortalizing moments in time that reflect the essence of these places. From architectural grandeur to vibrant human interaction, from picturesque natural landscapes to intricate cityscapes, every photo represents a chapter in our shared global story.
Taking inspiration from my journey across the world, this collection serves as a cultural crossroads, blending traditions with contemporary themes, and fostering dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries. It encourages unity, mutual admiration, and connection, resonating with the spirit of Ubuntu.
With "The Time Thief" Collection, I pay respect to the resilience and beauty of our diverse world, inviting viewers to step into the unique dynamics of each captured location. This exhibition enriches the understanding of these communities through the eye of the beholder, aligning with the Ubuntu philosophy of our shared human experience, and invites viewers to witness and partake in a visual symphony that spans the globe, redefining the perception of time and space.
The Time Thief - Trailer
Produced by K. Knox Production
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Featuring Steven CW Taylor’s,
The Time Thief
Directed by Kyra Knox and Simone Holland
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A DAY IN THE LIFE
Steven CW Taylor
“I document black life, in its entirety. Whether it’s Africa or Philadelphia, I like to photograph things through the eyes of black people” -Steven CW Taylor
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Collection: SA BLUES’ - luxury coffee table book
Artist Statement
SA Blues' was created with the intention that joy can be had even in the context of poverty. We examine "Melissa's Letter" and use it as the contextual eyes through which we view SA Blues'.
Our Wooden Coffee Table Book is hand-bound and printed on reinforced silk pages.
This book measures 12 x 12 inches, weighs over 10 lbs, and is sure to invoke thought and spark conversation.
One of our collectors had this to say about SA Blues', "...It's the material selection, the layout, the quality of the case. Before you even get to the photography, it is a work of art!”
PRESS
© Steven CW Taylor, Bright Futures, 2023
Amie Potsic interviews photographer Steven CW Taylor about his current exhibition highlighting the African-American community in Germantown, his documentation of the Black Lives Matter protests, and the launch of new initiatives by his gallery Ubuntu Fine Art.
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Ubuntu Fine Art - You Oughta Know
A segment by PBS WHYY featuring Steven CW Taylor’s Fine Art Gallery
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Artist Steven Taylor gives a tour of Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery
Featuring an interview of Steven CW Taylor by Breland Moore of Fox 29 Philadelphia
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Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery Opens In Germantown
Featuring a segment by CBS News Philadelphia.
Highlights Include:
This new Germantown gallery offers gateways to the world
Written by Kevin Riordan
© Steven CW Taylor in front of his piece titled, Keyhole to the Majestic. Photo Credit: Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer of the Philadelphia Inquirer
Germantown’s new Black-owned photography gallery aims to be a portal away from the trauma of everyday life
Written by Layla A. Jones
Images of Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery in Germantown © Image courtesy of Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery owner, Steven CW Taylor
New Germantown art gallery embodies the spirit of Ubuntu
Written by Mina Llona, Tribune Correspondent
Steven CW Taylor © Image courtesy of Steven CW Taylor
Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery
Written by Mayleen P
© Steven CW Taylor artwork in The Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery
Photo credit: Dosage Magazine
© Steven CW Taylor, Subway Surfer, 2017, Color Photograph
To acquire artwork from Steven CW Taylor’s collection, email info@amiepotsicartadvisory.com.
Click here to download Steven CW Taylor’s CV.
To learn more about the artist: www.ubuntufa.com/.
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Our Art Histories program features highly curated presentations of an artist’s life’s work provided for appreciators today, scholars of tomorrow, and generations to come. Creating your own art history is an important opportunity for artists to shape their own legacy.
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