Adam Taylor, a Pembrokeshire-based contemporary artist, has been making waves in the art world with his unique approach to painting and his deep connection to the coastal landscape of rural West Wales. His upcoming solo exhibitions at & Gallery in Edinburgh on March 8, AKA Contemporary in Cambridge on May 2, and Gallery Red in Spain on May 31, showcase his latest works that embody his artistic journey and distinctive style.
Taylor’s artistic process is a fascinating blend of techniques that reflect his innovative spirit. He often begins with a dry flat color, typically blue, and layers oil paint on top. This method allows him to create marks and textures before removing areas with a rag, leaving behind a ghostly impression of previous strokes. This technique adds depth and complexity to his compositions, enhancing their visual narrative.
Incorporating masking tape and oil pastels, Taylor creates grid-like patterns that introduce a sense of structure to his work. This grid motif serves as a metaphor for separation and disconnection, reminiscent of a cut-up and reassembled collage. Additionally, he employs white spirit on drying paint layers, which reacts with the colors, resulting in further distortion and a dynamic interplay of textures.
Interestingly, Taylor’s path to becoming an artist was not a straightforward one. Growing up in an environment where art was not seen as a viable career option, he initially pursued various low-paid jobs. However, his passion for painting and drawing persisted. After forming a band with friends from art school, he eventually returned to painting as a means of escape from the monotony of regular jobs. This organic evolution led him to exhibit his work locally, and he gradually transitioned into a full-time painter.
Taylor’s paintings are deeply influenced by the coastal landscape surrounding him. He strives to capture the atmosphere and mood of the land, distilling basic forms into pleasing shapes and colors. His use of blue evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, while the minimal aesthetic of his work emphasizes the importance of deduction—removing 90 percent of the original marks to reach a point of completion.
His dreamlike compositions often descend into abstraction, mirroring the ephemeral nature of dreams. By employing a variety of materials, including oils and enamel paint, Taylor creates raw and layered final pieces that resonate with viewers on a profound level.
In October 2022, Adam Taylor was elected an Associate member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, a testament to his growing recognition in the art community. His successful exhibitions at & Gallery in March 2022, and subsequent shows in 2023 and 2024, have solidified his reputation as a contemporary artist to watch.
As he prepares for his upcoming exhibitions, Taylor continues to explore the interplay between structure and abstraction, inviting viewers to engage with the essence of his surroundings. His work not only reflects his personal journey but also serves as a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the coastal landscape of West Wales.
For those interested in experiencing Adam Taylor’s captivating art, his exhibitions promise to be a visual feast that captures the spirit of the land and the artist’s unique perspective.
Photo credits: The photographs are from the artist’s archive.