Aleph Contemporary

Simon Tayler's Sculptural Journey: Form and Feeling

Simon Tayler’s upcoming exhibition, ‘Coherent Flux,’ at Aleph Contemporary, presents a collection of sculptures that blend precise construction with an exploration of internal experience. His work invites viewers to consider how the fluid nature of human thought and emotion can be expressed through tangible forms.

Tayler's artistic journey is shaped by a background in film and television special effects, which instilled a rigorous approach to technical execution. This expertise now informs his sculptural practice, to which he has returned after relocating from London to Stroud. A graduate of Liverpool School of Art, where he earned a BA Hons in Fine Art Sculpture and the John Moores Scholarship, Tayler has dedicated the past five years to developing this current body of work.

Material and Form: The Language of Wood

Wood is central to Tayler’s artistic expression, chosen for its natural warmth and sympathetic qualities. He views his sculptures as ongoing experiments, exploring the interplay of form, materials, and textures, particularly the dialogue between the organic and the mechanical. This experimental approach is evident in pieces like those shown in Image 1, Image 2, and Image 3, where the natural grain of wood is shaped into precise, often radiating or intertwined structures, frequently complemented by transparent elements.

Conceptual Threads: Inner Thoughts Made Visible

At the heart of Tayler’s art is the idea that his sculptures embody inner states of mind—moments of balance or tension. He describes thoughts and emotions as "threads or vectors" that can flow smoothly or become tangled. Each sculpture captures a specific psychological moment. The curved sections, a recurring motif, act as metaphors for an inner sense of being, representing a "trajectory of thought" that is often fluid and transitional. The transparent, dish-like elements, visible in Image 1, Image 2, and Image 3, function as metaphorical "listening or transmitting devices," symbolising interaction with the world and insight into the inner self.

The Process: Craft and Contemplation

The creation of these intricate pieces is meticulous and time-consuming. Tayler has found that the repetitive aspects of his craft become a space for contemplation, allowing new ideas to emerge. This process mirrors the conceptual content of his work, where physical elements—from the grounding bases to the dynamic curves—contribute to a layered narrative.

Conclusion: Experiencing Coherent Flux

‘Coherent Flux’ offers a compelling look at Simon Tayler’s artistic vision. His sculptures are not just visually engaging; they are thoughtful expressions, where the dynamic nature of inner states finds a structured, comprehensible form. 

Simon Tayler: A Snapshot