Henry Taylor's Retrospective at Musée Picasso Explores Racial Violence and Everyday Life

The Musée Picasso in Paris presents a retrospective of African-American painter Henry Taylor, running from April 8 to September 6, 2026. The exhibition, curated by Joanne Snrech, follows previous shows on Faith Ringgold (2023) and precedes a Harlem Renaissance exhibition (spring 2027). Taylor, born in 1958 in Ventura, California, is known for his vibrant, often text-laden paintings that depict everyday scenes and subtle references to racial violence. A key work is "From Congo to the Capital, and Black Again" (2007), a reimagining of Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" with darker-skinned figures and Josephine Baker at center, inspired by a conversation with artist David Hammons. Another notable piece, "The Times Thay Aint a Changing, Fast Enough!" (2017), depicts the 2016 police murder of Philando Castile. Taylor's practice includes portraits of family, friends, strangers, and celebrities like Jay-Z and Martin Luther King Jr., often painted on unconventional supports. His empathetic approach stems from years working as an orderly at Camarillo State Mental Hospital, where he drew patients. The exhibition includes sculptures made from found objects, echoing the work of Noah Purifoy. Taylor is represented by Hauser & Wirth.