From the moment you engage in conversation with Ashley Taylor, a profound earnestness permeates the air. His dedication to his craft, to the realm of Art, and to the very essence of life is immediately striking. This seriousness is particularly impactful when you consider you are in the presence of a young artist with a vast and promising future stretching before him.
Our meeting unfolded in a Viennese café nestled in the city’s first district, a conversation long anticipated and meticulously planned. There’s an undeniable sense that certain events align when the time is ripe, when conditions are favorable, and when ideas have matured to their fullest potential – much like exquisite fruits, ready to be savored at the perfect moment. This notion of impeccable timing resonated deeply once again.
“Ashley,” I began with casual curiosity, “when did your journey into dance commence?”
“It all started when I was nine years old,” he recounted. “You see, I was quite involved in gymnastics at school, and thanks to a teacher with a deep appreciation for culture… well, to cut to the chase, at the age of 11, I was accepted into the Royal Ballet School, where I remained until I was 19.”
“And what transpired after your time at the Royal Ballet School?” I inquired, eager to trace his artistic trajectory.
“I auditioned here in Vienna, and Manuel Legris welcomed me into the company. That pivotal moment was back in 2010!”
Recalling Ashley Taylor’s early performances, I vividly remember being captivated by his youthful presence on stage. His remarkable physique – characterized by elongated limbs and exceptionally graceful feet – was immediately apparent. It was the kind of innate talent, a “gift,” bestowed upon only a select few. However, our primary purpose for this meeting was to delve into his Photography, to explore another facet of his artistic expression beyond dance.
“So, when did your fascination with photography begin to take root?” I asked, steering the conversation towards his photographic pursuits.
His eyes lit up with enthusiasm – we had arrived at the subject he was clearly eager to discuss. “It started when I was 12 years old,” he revealed. “From my earliest childhood memories, Nature has held a significant place in my life… and that is intrinsically linked to why I began photographing.”
With these concise words, a comprehensive narrative began to unfold. The distinction between his more formal dance photography – encompassing stage productions, rehearsals, and studio sessions since the 2014/15 season – and his more personal artistic endeavors became apparent. In his personal work, he masterfully intertwines aesthetics, movement, and the natural world, reflecting his unique perspective.
“I see…” I responded, momentarily lost in contemplation. I sensed the pieces of a larger artistic puzzle beginning to coalesce.
As he found himself in his element, he elaborated, “For me, the captivating aspect of photography lies in its ability to condense a multitude of visual impressions into a single, potent point. It’s a form of meditation – a profound connection to the unfolding moment before me. It’s about distilling an entire narrative, a ‘whole story,’ into a solitary captured instant.”
“I believe I can understand that sentiment deeply,” I affirmed, recognizing the essence of his artistic philosophy.
“Indeed, it’s another language entirely,” he continued. “Something I would describe as a ‘photographic point of view.’ It’s the process of encapsulating a complete story within a ‘finished product,’ a single image.”
He further added, “There’s a performance aspect even in what might seem like ‘just’ a photoshoot. That’s why Nature is so crucial in my work: it aims to prompt reflection in viewers – to encourage them to discern the unspoken ‘subtitles,’ to truly understand…”
“Over the past few years, I’ve observed your consistent presence and dedication,” I noted. “You are involved in virtually every performance I attend… and your rehearsal photographs stand as a comprehensive chronicle of the creative journey. Upon closer examination, one can discern the passage of time through the dancers’ evolving attire, indicating that these images were captured across an extended period…”
“Yes. I firmly believe in persistence,” he concurred. “Even though the creative process itself cannot be forced…”
And how profoundly accurate his observation is. His extensive knowledge of dance deserves particular recognition. Just recently, I encountered photographs from a Balanchine performance in Europe. It was immediately evident that the photographer lacked a fundamental understanding of ballet.
This is precisely why Ashley Taylor’s unique combination of ballet expertise, photographic technique, and distinctive artistic vision is invaluable. His ability to convey a condensed narrative within a single shot is truly priceless.
We are delighted to present a curated selection of photographs by Mr. Taylor himself, especially for our discerning audience. We invite you to immerse yourselves in this exquisite exhibit.
