Spring is the perfect time for a “hostile” takeover in the name of superb art, according to Roosevelt “Black Rose” Taylor. The master historical painter anticipates his collaboration with Harlem Hops, a Black-owned craft beer bar, that he’ll design labels for in time for summer. Taylor also plans on participating in events with Hackensack Brewing and Jubilee Beer to celebrate Juneteenth in upcoming months. He said working with Jubilee is “a beautiful thing” because the proceeds from his designs will help fund students in Harlem who will be attending HBCUs.
Taylor is on a mission to promote hidden and unnurtured talented youth in Harlem. His program, the Harlem Art Club, encourages young people from Harlem to obtain an education while finding creative spaces for their artistry. Artistic opportunities are vital to minors who yearn for help in uncovering their capabilities. “That’s what the Harlem Art Club does: It brings back art to the classroom,” said Taylor. He recalled enjoying the diversity of art in school by experiencing different musicals, plays, and museums. “Now, it’s not the same and the kids need [those experiences],” he said. “The creative side keeps them from being in a box.”
Creativity and thinking outside the box helped Taylor become the artist he is today. His beginnings in public housing encouraged him to visualize a way out through painting. He cites his grandmother and mother for inspiring him.
Taylor sold his first piece to an upstairs neighbor or $300 when he was 11 years old, and eventually attended the Art and Design High School, the same school his mother once attended.
Taylor said he has been honored to display artworks at places like the Harlem Fine Arts Show while uniting globally with other Black artists. Increased media coverage and features on various platforms led to greater visibility on his social media. Designing paintings for Harlem businesses such as Minton’s Playhouse, Cecil Steakhouse, and Just Lorraine’s Place 2 helps showcase the best representation of his art. “I really wanted people to experience the artwork from an individual who was bred, born, and raised in Harlem,” said Taylor.
Meesha Rose, an African and Latino Studies major who owns a painting by Taylor, is attracted to Taylor’s artwork because of the seamless connections throughout different Harlem eras. “Roosevelt captures the legacy, achievements and voice of our ancestors,” said Rose. “His work brings forth the story of our people through precision and color in a way that gives a feeling of hope, prosperity, and promise.”
“I respect human beings who are willing to share stories of redemption,” she said. “Roosevelt is an artist who paints stories of redemption and reclamation in color.”
Taylor want his audience to see visions of the Harlem Renaissance era, as well as the new version of Harlem, through his creations. “Harlem inspires me in so many ways,” he said. He cherishes the continuing history of Harlem, from monuments to the names of streets and boulevards. He uses encounters of both past Harlem natives and his own to design his vision as he paints from the heart. “I’m on my A game right now,” said Taylor.
Taylor said there is a lot to be told by a Harlem artist in a Harlem gallery. He wants to see all the eras of Harlem, from the 1920s to present day and beyond, shown more. Harlem is not how it was in the ’90s, he said—it’s more complex, with people from all over the globe residing in the neighborhood. For more information, visit @TakingHarlemBackForever on Instagram and www.facebook.com/theharlemartclub135.
Roosevelt cussed me out because men buy me drinks. And he sexually harassed me until it got to the point of me yelling and threatening him. He’s a bum and his art is hardly worth looking at let alone write about. Just know when you view his work you’re viewing the work of a bum & a sexual harasser.