Artist's Bio/CV
Robert A. Taylor III is an artist from the east side of Chicago, IL. He graduated from Illinois State University in May 2015 with a B.S. in Studio Arts. In 2016, he returned to Illinois State University as a graduate at large and pursued independent studies in Wood and Metal Design and Intaglio Printmaking. In December 2017, he held his first solo show, Feral Grin, in the TRANSPACE Gallery in Normal, IL, which was the result of his graduate studies. In 2022, Robert received an MFA in Studio Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Robert's artwork focuses on conceptualized characters that function as avatars for Black people referred to as Ferals. He addresses topics of racism, nostalgia, and Chicago aesthetics through his unique style of painting. Additionally, Robert is a versatile artist, and his experience spans wood and metal sculpture as well as various forms of printmaking.
Curriculum Vitae
Robert Arthur Taylor III
Education
2022 MFA, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
2016-2017 Non-Degree seeking courses (Jewelry, Wood & Metal, Intaglio),
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
2015 Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Solo Exhibitions
2017 Feral Grin, Transpace Gallery, Normal, IL
Group Exhibitions & Portfolios
2024 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, Museum of Science and Industry,
Chicago, IL
2023 Just Another Art Show, Mayer Gallery, Chicago, IL
2022 Thesis Exhibition, SAIC Galleries, The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago, Chicago, IL
2022 Ye Day Art Show, Mayer Gallery, Chicago, IL
2019 The Emoji Art Show, Chicago, IL
2018 Raw Natural Born Artist: Magnify, Chicago, IL
2017 Student Annual Juried Show, University Galleries, Normal, IL
Juror: Claire Ashley, Professor in the Department of
Contemporary Practices at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago,
Chicago, IL
2016 Blue, Exchange Portfolio, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
2015 The ALL Show: Art + Literature in the Library, Milner Library,
Normal, IL
2011 Extending the Body, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Grants & Awards
2021 Harold O Warner Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago, Chicago, IL
2021 Adrienne Gruber Seid Memorial Scholarship, The School of the Art
Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
2021 Mildred Sexton Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago, Chicago, IL
2020 Mildred Sexton Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of
Chicago, Chicago, IL
2017 Friends of the Arts Student Project Grant, Illinois State University,
Normal, IL