© Steven CW Taylor, *Bright Futures*, 2023

August 9, 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.

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.

© Steven CW Taylor, *Brilliant Star*, 2023

Artist Statement -
East Meets West: A Visual Harmony on Washi
"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.

Artist Statement -
Through the Lens of Witness
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.

STEVEN CW TAYLOR

Click here to view Steven CW Taylor's collection and full art history profile.