Bernie Taupin

Bernie Taupin is best known as a lyricist. As a teenager in the late 1960s, he formed a songwriting partnership with the singer-songwriter-pianist Elton John. Together, this duo made history, creating a substantial catalog of original songs that have sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

In addition to these musical endeavors, Taupin has also been a long-time visual artist. Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center showcased 25 of his major works in an exhibition titled An American Resurrection. The amazing works in this exhibit pay tribute to Taupin’s lifelong passion for American art and pop culture.

Taupin has been pursuing his passion for painting since the early 1990s. His early work was inspired by groundbreaking Abstract Expressionists, including Hans Hofmann, 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 explorations of Abstract Expressionism to experimentations with text-based content and minimalist Pop Art concepts. By 2017, his works became sculptural constructions bound with cord and wire on canvas. During this period, he often expressed himself with found objects and repurposed material and artifacts. Taupin’s multi-layered creations include manipulated flags, scorched paper, wax, wire, wood, corrugated cardboard, fabric, bubble wrap, and resin. An American Resurrection was curated by Karen and Michael Bivins, International Gallerists.