Bernie Taupin
Long-Sharp Gallery curates the lobby of Conrad Indianapolis with exhibits rotating every 6-12 months; past exhibitions have included works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Sam Gilliam. The lobby currently features works by Colombian artist Miriam Londoño.
About this exhibition: In "Two Sides of the '60s", song-writer and artist Bernie Taupin re-imagines the works of celebrated photographer Terry O'Neill, who captured pop culture of the 1960s and 70s.
According to Taupin: "Terry O'Neill was both a great friend and an inspiration. His personality behind the camera was an infectious and kinetic pantomime of chaotic charm. Terry was a star in his own firmament as much as the icons he photographed over the decades. His images are indelible classics. Even if you don't know who took them, many are as familiar as old friends. He chronicled the coolest of the cool and captured them in all their legendary magnificence. His subjects are so alive, so aware and so relaxed that I can only imagine Terry's good humor and energy made for their unique collaborative chemistry.
That he trusted me and allowed me to cherry pick his portfolio speaks volumes of his sense of adventure. I'm beyond grateful that this project was conceived and completed in his lifetime and that it was a collaboration he fully endorsed and embraced. I will always miss him, but when I think of him, it's his spirited direction and laughter that still ricochets around my head."
Full Control to Col Tom (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
It Came from Hoboken (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 36 x 50 in (94 x 127 cm) (framed)
Oh What a Night (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
The True Identity of Superman (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
Bond, James Bond (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
Hippy Hat (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
When I Grow Up (2023) Multimedia archival print with silkscreen, Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin, From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50, 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm) (framed)
Born in the United Kingdom in 1950, Bernie Taupin is a lifelong visual artist. In the early 1990’s, painting became the main thrust of his creative endeavors; in decades prior he penned lyrics for Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Alice Cooper. In his early work as a painter, Taupin was inspired by groundbreaking Abstract Expressionists including Hans Hoffman, Franz Kline, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenberg.
Taupin says, “As in any creative field, we start by emulating work we like, following the path that ultimately leads to finding our own vision, a style we feel is original and unique in its own beliefs, on its own merits.”
Taupin’s artwork evolved from Ab-Ex explorations to a level of self-identification followed by experimentations with text-based content and minimalist Pop Art concepts. By 2016 and 2017, works became sculptural constructions off and through the canvas and bound with cord and wire. Works were expressed with found objects, repurposed material, and artifacts. Taupin’s multi-layered creations include manipulated flags, scorched paper, wax, wire, wood, corrugated cardboard, fabric, bubble wrap, and resin.
“The imagination is the most powerful tool artists possess, enabling us to conjure up beautiful distractions for the eyes and ears.
My dimensional work is simply the visual extension of what I have spent my life creating through words.”
—BERNIE TAUPIN, 2017