Henry Taylor

Henry Taylor is an artist whose work chronicles the historical journey of racism in modern America. At first glance, his artwork portrays people in moments of ease. However, a closer inspection reveals prison walls and images of violence.

As we walked through the exhibit, we observed a progression of figures, including family members, politicians, musicians, and athletes. Through his art, Taylor invites the viewer to experience his life and perspectives through a deeply personal and vulnerable lens.

His ability to convey messages about social inequities is truly remarkable. As we absorbed the powerful themes of his work, our hearts grew heavy with grief and sadness.

Artistically, Henry Taylor evokes emotion through large, striking images, employing bold colors and broad brush strokes.

Henry Taylor's artwork exemplifies mindful art that is therapeutic, allowing the artist to express himself while enabling the audience to understand his community's struggles, including police brutality, incarceration, and hardship.

Little Island

After touring the exhibit, we visited Little Island, a man-made park located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The park offered stunning views of the Hudson River, juxtaposing the beauty of nature with the urban cityscape—a perfect setting for us to decompress. It was a chilly, windy afternoon, and the sun was setting against a backdrop of gray clouds.

The innovative design of Little Island fosters a sense of wellness, with spaces designed for meditation and yoga. Being in this park cultivates a feeling of Satva, a Sanskrit word that signifies a serene, harmonious, and balanced state of mind.

To learn more about the exhibit and the little island, please visit:

https://whitney.org/exhibitions/henry-taylor.

https://littleisland.org/