“BREAKING GROUND: THE ARTISTS SHAPING TOMORROW”
THE ARTISTS SHAPING TOMORROW"
featuring: TAJ POSCÈ
Words by Ray Anthony “ZEN” Eddie
February 7, 2025
Taj Poscè—a dynamic artist whose work bridges tradition and innovation, culture and identity, struggle and triumph. From humble beginnings in Philadelphia to exploring the universal connections in art, Taj’s story is a compelling journey of discovery, resilience, and boundless creativity.
The Roots of Creativity
Taj's artistic foundation began with the influence of family—his grandfather, "Diddy," and his mother, both talented yet untrained artists. This inherited gift was recognized early, as Taj's middle school oil pastel, inspired by Beauford Delaney, was displayed in Philadelphia's City Hall. Yet, art wasn't his first calling. Only in college, after abandoning pursuits in basketball and law, did Taj fully embrace his creative destiny.
ART by Taj Poscé. Photography by Dae Poscé.
Cultural Influence and Identity
Taj describes his cultural background as "nuanced," a blend of Black urban life and privileged opportunities. This duality informs his art, allowing him to explore the complexities of Black culture and expand the aesthetic possibilities of what can emerge from the Black mind and body. With influences ranging from Sam Gilliam to Moorish star maps, Taj reimagines traditional narratives, blending high art techniques with the symbols and stories of the diaspora.
In his words: "Black culture is expansive and uniquely individual. My work seeks to honor that diversity, exploring universal connections while preserving the richness of personal perspective."
Art as Healing and Belonging
For Taj, art has been a sanctuary—a means of navigating loss, heartbreak, and the pressures of dual worlds. He recalls losing his best friend and coping with personal grief during a pivotal summer at Yale. Rather than retreat, he channeled his emotions into his work, transforming pain into purpose. Through his art, Taj invites audiences to explore themes of belonging, encouraging them to see beauty in the voids of uncertainty and connection in shared humanity.
Creative Process
Taj’s creative process is deeply intertwined with daily life. From listening to W.E.B. Du Bois’s Souls of Black Folk to observing city grids and textures, inspiration comes from every corner of existence. His studio is a place of consistent presence, where structure meets spontaneity. Working with fire—a tool that embodies both destruction and creation—Taj balances control with chaos, pushing boundaries in color, texture, and meaning. “The structure provides limits, but I have limitless possibilities within those limits.”
Photography by “Dimin NYC”.
Activism Through Expression
While Taj doesn’t define his art as explicitly activist, his work inherently challenges societal norms. By centering Black voices and experiences, he reshapes narratives and sparks reflection. His hope? A commitment to equity, truth, and the recognition of overlooked contributions.
The Future of Taj Poscè
Looking ahead, Taj envisions his art leaving a legacy for future generations, hoping to see his work featured in global institutions and public spaces. His ongoing projects, like Eternal Present, delve deeper into negative space and the transformative potential of his practice.
The Universal Role of Art
For Taj, art is a medium that connects us to our shared humanity and spirit. He compares it to meditation, a practice that fosters presence and empathy. Quoting Philip Guston, he reflects on the transcendence of the creative process—a state where even the self dissolves, leaving behind a pure connection to the universal.
Taj Poscè’s journey is more than a story of artistic success—it’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity.