An interview with Steven Taylor
The word Ubuntu expresses a South African proverb that we are all universally connected and bonded through humanity and sharing. The Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery, located in the Historic Germantown section of Philadelphia, aims to bring people together and allow the community to travel the world through fine art.
Owned and curated by Steven CW Taylor, the Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery is the first Black Owned, Single Artist Fine Art Photography Gallery in the USA. The Gallery showcases large-format color photographs, available in limited editions and made during Taylor’s travels to spectacular places in Africa, the American West and more. The gallery offers a pristine space for public appreciation of photography, coupled with education about the art process and thought-provoking conversations about artistic expression, community activism, and social empowerment.
@stevencwtaylor
@ubuntufineart
What does Ubuntu mean to you in respect to the gallery and your photography practice?
For me, the philosophy of Ubuntu is a proactive approach to sharing my humanity through the stories and experiences my photos create. Coupled with being a tangible example for my community to be inspired by.
Do you like to collaborate or work by yourself?
I had to think hard about this question. My creativity does not live in a vacuum, and I’m exposed to many new things through my conversations with people from various walks of life. I take this exposure and try to create new art forms and business ideas; so I’d say that though I may do some of the work myself, many of my ideas come through collaboration.
What is your next project in the works? And can you tell us a little bit about your participation in 20/20 Photo Festival this year?
I’m currently working on a project where I am doing a 10-piece installation in a hotel in Baltimore, and a personal project to explore various forms of printing to take my photographic art to a higher level. This year I am moderating a panel titled "Photographers as Entrepreneurs" via zoom.
