The Oyster Rainbow (Framed)

The Oyster Rainbow, 2024

Acrylic on card
27 x 21 cm
Framed in Kiaat

Michael Taylor

Michael Taylor (b. 1979) is a South African artist based in Cape Town, celebrated for his ironic, narrative-driven works that blend figuration and abstraction. His paintings and drawings reflect an intuitive process, where personal memory, imagination, and cultural observations converge to create layered, thought-provoking compositions. Taylor’s work often incorporates referential elements, paired with clever, self-reflexive titles that invite viewers into a dialogue with the image.

Taylor completed his Master of Fine Arts at Stellenbosch University and has exhibited extensively in South Africa and internationally, including shows in Australia, The Netherlands, the UK, and the USA. In 2013, he was named one of Thames & Hudson’s 100 Painters of Tomorrow. His work is part of prestigious collections, such as the Woodner Collection (USA).

Michael Taylor’s pieces explore themes of masculinity, identity, and human vulnerability with humour and subtle critique. His distinctive approach and bold colour palettes make his art both captivating and profoundly human.