Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Taurean Washington, I am a millennial African American male from all sorts of places. I was born in Fort Worth, Texas. I was later brought into a military family life and traveled to places as far as Arizona, Panama, Washington State. Eventually, we settled in the state of Maryland. Maryland is now what I call home.
How did you get started as an artist and when?
My grandmother said I used to scribble in her encyclopedias and books at the age of 3.
I feel like I have always been in tune with my imagination and creativity. It always stuck with me.
As a child I was into the big cartoons in my generation: X-Men, Power Rangers, Spiderman, etc.
I drew comics just like Marvel did but had my own set of characters. I actually wanted to be a cartoonist.
But, I remember in 8th grade this person in my class did an amazing painting on canvas.
After that day, I told myself that I wanted to do what she was doing.
Ever since then, I shifted gears to the more expressive/conceptual side of the Arts spectrum.
What types of art do you make (paint/sculpture/music/etc.)? How would you define your style?
I would like to think that I make “visual music”. My favorite genre is hip-hop (even though I have started my journey into jazz lately) But, I feel “style” has always been my strong suit. My work isn’t abstract or super realistic when it comes to painting. In some situations, I have to use my imagination for poses, imagery, etc. However, I feel like my work is a good medium on that spectrum.
Also, the scope of my work is to take a hip hop album and make paintings of each song. Each painting to me is a song and a group of songs is an album. There are so many parallels between art and hip hop that I connect with my work. For me it is important to find a “pocket” to insert my voice when looking for an album to interpret. My voice ranges from social, political, and or cultural commentary that I have to times we live in. Once my ideas are established, there begins to be a dialogue that I have with the musician. The paintings completed are a result of the conversation that we shared.
What inspires you?
Other than music, I am inspired by people who have “made it” from nothing into something. I always get excited for the Underdog. But being around like minded individuals or even looking at some of my artistic heroes. Artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Basquiat, Robert Colescott, and Picasso are big influences in my practice. I am also getting back into reading. I feel that there is so much to soak up in a book.
Are you familiar with the Frederick arts scene/have any thoughts about it?
Currently, I live in Columbia MD. But before that, I lived in Frederick for several years.
In Frederick, I had my start. From having my work in high school at the Artists Gallery to selling my first piece of art at the Blue Elephant (before it was the Griffin Art Center) Also, I had my work in the Dragonfly Co-op.
(Rest in Peace Chris Bransome)
Due to where my life was going, I relocated to Columbia, MD. But I still keep in touch/have mutual respect for artists such as Bernard Rollins, Wendell Poindexter, among others. I definitely love Frederick’s rich and potent small town vibe. From 1st Saturdays to In the Streets, there is a lot going on in the city of Frederick. I hope I can make a small contribution.
What do you recommend for young artists?
I recommend young artists to stay “hungry”. Don’t be content with just good. Strive to be great!
Also to be prepared to hear a lot of no’s and/or rejected calls for entries. Don’t be upset (as much as you can) and realize that this is natural. But once you put together your scope and style of work, the audience will come to you.
Finally, can you tell us about your upcoming show at the Delaplaine and if there is anything else you want to promote or talk about?
The show at the Delaplaine is titled “Black Butterfly: The EP”. This is my first ever public exhibition post-undergrad. This series revolves around my interpretation of Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” album.
To me, the songs off of the album are about discovery, evolution, and the quest to knowing who you are. Just like the music, my group of paintings primarily come from an Afrocentric point of view. However, there are universal themes that ALL walks of life can relate to.
During the reception, music from the album will be played. I feel like the audience can “catch” some of the lyrical references that I used while making the work in the studio. As far as the show, this is a POP up. It will be up on Saturday and then taken down on Sunday. If works are purchased, they can be taken home that same day or Sunday morning.
I hope that everyone in Frederick MD can come out to the show.
Black Butterfly: The EP
A Gift Gallery Pop-Up Art Show by Taurean Washington
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Join us for a one-day-only show featuring the art of Taurean Washington! The artist’s acrylic on canvas artwork is an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary art. Many pieces featuring “sampling” from hip hop music. His artwork is set against a background of audio instrumentals, providing a soundtrack for the show. Admission is free!
Pop-Up: 9 am-5 pm
Meet the Artist: 2-4 pm
https://delaplaine.org/delaplaine-pops/
