EVENTS

Striking in their detail, John Taylor’s miniature reproductions evoke the organic qualities of aging, decay and death. By combining the spontaneous use of materials, careful research and innovative patina techniques, Taylor’s works are at once timeless portals to the real and imagined past and frozen glimpses of some of the most revolutionary yet long-forgotten maritime vessels and airships. In the OMA Lobby, Ghost Fleet will feature a collection of approximately fourteen mixed media ships created within the last five years.

Expertly crafted from a variety of found objects such as computer motherboards, scrap wood, wire coat hangers and deteriorating children’s toys, Taylor’s salvage aesthetic has a dark poetic resonance. Using reclaimed materials enables Taylor to breathe new life not only into old objects, but also into the history of celebrated and little-known vessels that form part of the mystery of maritime culture. The title of each ship is based on a historic narrative that Taylor has researched to inspire his work. Specific examples from the exhibition are the Winans Russian Proposal, a cigar ship designed by American inventor Ross Winans that was never built, and the Charles B. Hill a wooden package freighter formerly the Anchor liner Delaware.

Informed by American folk art, the palette of American painter Albert Pinkham Ryder, and maritime novels, John Taylor is a self-taught artist who has been interested in boating lore and shipping history since childhood. Raised on the Connecticut seacoast and now living in San Juan Capistrano, Taylor regularly exhibits in Seattle, New York and Los Angeles. His work can be found in public and private collections around the world including the Microsoft Art Collection and the collection of Andre Agassi.

LINK: http://oma-online.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129:john-taylor&catid=22:upcoming-exhibits&Itemid=110