Featured image: Nativity, Taylor Overbey, 2020, oil on masonite, 24 x 36 x 14 in. / 60.96 x 91.44 x 35.56 cm.
Taylor Overbey’s work is a compelling fusion of painting and sculpture, where each piece tells a story that transcends the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Taylor Overbey is a contemporary artist known for his three-dimensional works that blend painting and sculpture to explore themes of politics, society, and history. His art challenges viewers to engage with complex narratives through visually dynamic compositions.
His three-dimensional artworks like "The Government/Media Complex," "Desire," and "How the West Was Won" challenge viewers to engage with complex narratives about society, politics, and history. Overbey’s ability to combine meticulous craftsmanship with pointed social commentary makes his art not only visually captivating but also intellectually provocative.
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"The Government/Media Complex" (2014)
The Government/Media Complex, Taylor Overbey, 2014, oil on masonite, 7.5 x 3 x 26 in. / 19.05 x 7.62 x 66.04 cm.
"The Government/Media Complex" is a biting critique of the relationship between government, media, and the public. Overbey’s use of layered imagery—where a podium, a news studio, and sheep are stacked—symbolizes the flow of information from powerful elites to the masses. The lone black sheep, which defies the mainstream narrative, underscores the theme of dissent against the status quo. The three-dimensional aspect of the piece enhances the idea of manipulation, as it visually represents the different layers through which information is filtered before reaching the public. Overbey’s commentary on media control is both timely and timeless, urging viewers to question the sources of their information.
"Desire" (2013)
Desire, Taylor Overbey, 2013, oil on masonite, 25 x 44 x 5 in. / 63.5 x 111.76 x 12.7 cm.
In "Desire," Overbey explores the concept of choice and the various paths individuals may take in life. The inclusion of Jesus Christ in the foreground, contrasted with the figures reaching for wealth, fame, and power, creates a stark dichotomy between spiritual and material pursuits. The figures are depicted in dynamic poses, almost as if they are being pulled toward their desires, while Christ remains calm and centered. This contrast not only highlights the tension between worldly and spiritual values but also encourages the viewer to reflect on their own life choices. The piece is a powerful meditation on what it means to seek fulfillment and how different desires can lead individuals down vastly different paths.
"How the West Was Won" (2016)
How the West Was Won, Taylor Overbey, 2016, oil on masonite, 22 x 24 x 7 in. / 55.88 x 60.96 x 17.78 cm.
"How the West Was Won" is Overbey’s artistic reflection on the myth and reality of the American West. By placing iconic figures like cowboys, Native Americans, and saloon-goers in a three-dimensional bar scene, Overbey reconstructs the cultural narratives that have shaped the American identity. The work invites viewers to consider the romanticized versions of history versus the harsher truths of conquest and conflict. Overbey’s use of space and depth in this piece not only brings the scene to life but also adds layers of meaning, suggesting that history is not flat but multifaceted and often contradictory.
Taylor Overbey’s artworks are a remarkable blend of technical skill and social commentary. His use of three-dimensional space to explore complex themes makes his work both visually and intellectually engaging. Whether critiquing the media, exploring the nature of desire, or deconstructing historical myths, Overbey challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the deeper narratives embedded in his art. Through his unique sculptural approach, he continues to push the boundaries of what art can do, making his work a significant contribution to contemporary discourse.
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Bread and Circuses, Taylor Overbey, 2020, oil on masonite, 24 x 36 x 14 in. / 60.96 x 91.44 x 35.56 cm.
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