As part of their Art Enrichment programme, the 4^th Form artists walked up to Hauser & Wirth Somerset to gain valuable first-hand inspiration for their future project.

We were excited to visit the LA-based Henry Taylor’s painting and sculpture exhibition. This refreshing opportunity gave us our first trip out of the Art Department this term, with a series of guided tours and activities aimed at engaging pupils first-hand with artworks, sculpture, and key themes within the exhibition. Throughout, we had the opportunity to discuss and explore ideas behind artworks including an inspiring tour with our Guide, Briony, and a warm welcome introduction from Debbie Hillyerd, Head of H&W Education.

Henry Taylor’s subjects combine figurative, landscape and history painting. Taylor's work largely depicts individuals; however, he does not consider himself a portraitist. His main themes within his work are culture: history, society, community, and narratives through his use of pop-culture and art historical references.

Throughout, it was pleasing to see how the pupils confidently interacted and expressed their opinions in response to artworks and key themes. Talking points included Taylor’s use of domestic objects, and his spontaneous playfulness in relation to his approach to painting, his combination of found objects, and forms of miniature and large-scale sculpture. Also, on a deeper level, pupils were able to explore more challenging themes such as global politics, identity, and his respect for community through Taylor’s love of downtown LA. Taylor’s work is driven by strong narratives and by eclectic sourcing of subjects. This ‘hunting and gathering’ as he defines it in his own words.

We are looking forward to discussing Henry Taylor’s key theme with pupils in-more depth and preparing for our forthcoming 4^th Form, St Ives trip in June.

George Cole - King's Bruton Artist in Residence (in association with Hauser & Wirth Somerset).

Flickr album: 4th Form Art Trip to Hauser & Wirth - 7th May 2021 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

A refreshing opportunity to visit LA-based artist, Henry Taylor’s painting and sculpture take-over @HWSomerset with our 4th Form. Including an inspiring tour with Briony and a warm welcome introduction from @hillyerd_debbie. View the photographs here - https://t.co/GDaN3FkgCy pic.twitter.com/k0REIwgjeF

— Art Department (@KSBArtDept) May 7, 2021