"Er hatte Swag"
Henry Taylor, one of today's most sought-after contemporary artists, pays tribute to his former teacher James Jarvaise in a new exhibition in Zurich. The show honors Jarvaise, who Taylor credits with changing his life and teaching him the most important lessons of his career. In an interview, Taylor reflects on their relationship and the rare gesture of a successful artist publicly acknowledging a mentor.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the often-overlooked role of mentorship in the art world, especially for artists from marginalized backgrounds. Taylor's rise from a difficult path to international acclaim underscores how formative early guidance can shape an artist's trajectory. By centering his teacher, Taylor challenges the myth of the solitary genius and emphasizes the communal and educational foundations of artistic success.