Zoya Taylor

“Our ‘differentness’ is not to be defined by anyone else’s standards. We all have a cast of characters who define our lives. I paint the cast of characters who fill the spaces in between. They are the ‘immigrants’ found between cultures, continents, languages, and disciplines. There is a lot of noise in the silence.”

Zoya Taylor is an artist whose paintings explore themes of identity, belonging, and diaspora through a vivid tapestry of color and pattern. Born to Jamaican and Canadian parents, Taylor's early life spanned Germany and Jamaica before she settled in Norway. This rich cultural background informs her artistic practice, which delves into the spaces between cultures and the feelings of vulnerability that often accompany the diasporic experience. She has a Master’s degree in International Social Work from the University of British Columbia, Canada. Following a career of teaching at universities, developing community programs and outreach facilities in Jamaica, Canada, Latvia, Bosnia Hercegovina and Norway, Zoya began painting full-time in 2000.

Taylor's work is characterized by a unique blend of surreal, undeniably human figures and, more recently, set against highly patterned backgrounds. These elements reflect her personal journey and her deep connection to the diverse cultures that have shaped her. Her paintings challenge stereotypes and invite viewers to question their own perceptions of identity, transforming the concept of the ‘misfit’ into something both poignant and empowering.

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Ballerina Girl Rules the World (My Existence is a Miracle)

Botanical Concealment - Unveiling the Hidden Observer

Her artistic influences range from the classic works of Henri Rousseau to contemporary artists like Marlene Dumas. Taylor’s wide-eyed, emotionally charged characters embody a sense of pride and resilience, engaging audiences in a dialogue about the human experience. Exhibited in prestigious venues such as the National Gallery of Jamaica, Site Brooklyn, and Hi-Qo Gallery, Taylor aims to communicate the diverse facets of humanity with her wide eyed, undeniably human characters. The dynamic array of characters encourage viewers to find their own meaning in her work while simultaneously reflecting on those who inhabit the ‘spaces in-between’.

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