The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is honored to present Maxwell Taylor: Paperwork, 1960-1992 as the first in a series of one-person exhibitions dedicated to artists who are the standard bearers in Bahamian Art.

Maxwell Taylor has been a working artist for more than forty years in Nassau and the United States. This exhibition is comprised of more than one hundred and fifty works on paper Taylor completed between 1960 and 1992 and are only a fraction of what the artist produced on paper during the period referenced. He states, “My interest is in strong subjects, especially, the downtrodden, and human survival. It is a reality of life.” The images that comprise the exhibition attest to this interest.

Much of Taylor’s work includes images of black Bahamian women for whom he has “a great respect.” This is a reflection of the artist's life experiences and “the many struggles” his mother went through as she tried to raise him on her own. He has spoken of being raised by women, the absence of his father and the general failure of black men in society to support women and care for their children.

Taylor’s anecdote for society’s struggles and troubles can be seen in intimate and triumphant works quite diverse in theme and content. He appears to take foundational strength in the bond between mother and child, celebrates transformative leadership, and insists on keeping topics such as immigration front and centre. He sees love as a priority and embraces the soothing power of music as a balm for the soul.

Speaking of himself, Taylor says, “Believe it or not, in spite of my long career and survival in the fine arts, Max Taylor is still learning.” This desire to grow and learn continuously has defined him as an artist. The fatherless boy from West Street, Nassau, who against all odds disciplined himself to become an artist, became a teacher, who became a master. We invite you to come and celebrate him with us.

Exhibition Dates: September 2009 to March 2010

Collections Within The National Collection

The National Art Gallery has been entrusted with establishing The National Collection of Art for The Bahamas. It is a special assignment that the institution takes very seriously. The question often arises: How does the gallery acquire objects? How does it go about choosing what to acquire? This exhibition is intended to answer some of these questions and to hopefully raise a few more.

Collecting is not an elite exercise and is open to anyone with the interest and passion for art and culture. Art provides insight into the history and creative vision of a people. As a result, the building of a National Collection plays an important role in nation building. It is intended to document, while simultaneously engaging ongoing discussions as to who we are, where we have come from and where we are going. It is an exercise in authorship, an example of how a post-colonial nation writes its own story.