Taha Clayton is a Brooklyn-based painter, Houston, TX born and raised in Toronto, ON. Clayton's style and aesthetic is rooted in classical practices, while his narratives juxtapose historical and futurist allusions. He creates realistic renderings, many through portraiture, to celebrate and transcend culture and legacy. His Muslim upbringing and cultural heritage shape his work in order to address mistruths of ethnic antiquity. This clash with Western perspectives is conveyed through images of empowerment rather than historically misguided portrayals of despair and strife. Whether his subjects are captured in their natural environment or composed within an imagined story, these figures embody dignity, culture and beauty. Clayton’s precise, labored, and intricate methods of realism is especially illustrated through his common use of fabric. His subjects are not only representatives, but should be seen as individuals with human stories.

 

One of Clayton’s paintings was most recently selected to be included in the 2024 Lunar Codex, “Nova Collection”, where an image of his work was included inside of a time capsule launched and placed on the moon in perpetuity. He recently showcased with the Art Renewal Center, exhibiting at MEAM (Europe Museum of Modern Art) in Barcelona, Spain. In 2023, his painting was selected as the cover of “New American Paintings”. Clayton’s artistic journey was also documented in the award winning 2016 documentary, “Heavyweight Paint”.