The Visionary Lens of Aus Taylor: From Baltimore to Kanye West and Beyond
By Matthew Becerra
The Visionary Lens of Aus Taylor
Aus Taylor is a name that commands respect in creative circles, a visionary whose work has defined the aesthetics of some of the most influential artists of our time. Hailing from Northeast Baltimore, Taylor has built a career that bridges high art and hip-hop, directing for artists like Kanye West, Steve Lacy, Paris Texas, JPEGMAFIA, and Smino. His rise as a director and creative mind is a testament to the power of self-determination and raw talent, as he never attended film school or any formal university. Instead, he learned by doing, starting with music videos and evolving into a multifaceted storyteller.
Baltimore Roots and a Global Perspective
Taylor’s formative years in Baltimore are central to his identity as an artist. He describes the city as a place that fosters resilience, where life’s challenges build a “hard shell” and a distinctive swagger. “One thing about being from Baltimore is that it’s such a tough city,” Taylor says. “Even the fakest person in Baltimore is realer than most people.” This authenticity permeates his work, which often grapples with themes of struggle and survival.
A pivotal moment in Taylor’s life came when he discovered Mathieu Kassovitz’s La Haine. The 1995 French arthouse film, with its raw portrayal of social unrest and urban life, inspired him to view movies as a form of artistic expression rather than mere entertainment. “That movie was just visual poetry,” he recalls. “It was the first movie that made me look at movies from an artistic perspective.” The film’s famous line, “It’s not how you fall that matters, it’s how you land,” resonates deeply with Taylor, who views his own journey through a similar lens of perseverance and impact.
At 22, Taylor moved to Paris, a decision inspired by his first visit to the city with his father. For a time, he and his friends simply existed there, absorbing the culture and exploring creative possibilities. This period broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding of the world’s vastness. “It showed me that the world is a big place and taught me that you can do whatever you put your mind to,” he reflects.
A Style Rooted in Emotion and Depth
Taylor’s visual style is as distinctive as his journey. Influenced by filmmakers like Gaspar Noé and Spike Lee, he describes his work as soulful, visceral, and imbued with a hip-hop sensibility. His aim is not to explain but to evoke. “Art isn’t meant to be understood—it’s meant to be felt,” he says. Whether through a music video or a social media clip, Taylor’s work demands an emotional response, often tackling heavy themes like class division, race, and societal marginalization.
A notable example of his approach is a recent collaboration with Kanye West, where Taylor directed a video featuring sex workers and gang members in Los Angeles. The piece explores class division and societal struggles but transforms these realities into something visually poetic without reducing them to simple beauty. For Taylor, art is about raising questions, not providing answers. “One of the most political and rebellious things you could do is allow other people to have their own opinion,” he asserts.
The Collaborative Spirit
Taylor’s ability to connect with artists on a deeper level has been key to his success. His collaborations are not transactional but rooted in mutual admiration and trust. “Who I work with now… it’s deep relationships,” he explains. These connections have led to enduring partnerships with the likes of Kanye West, Steve Lacy, and Paris Texas.
However, Taylor is selective about his projects. His Instagram bio once famously stated, “No commissions,” a declaration that he is not driven by money but by a genuine desire to create meaningful work. “The no commissions thing puts up a wall for me of protection,” he explains. “It’s to let people know that I’m not motivated by money.” For Taylor, the best collaborations are those where both parties are equally invested in the creative process.
Shifting Focus to Personal Art
After spending 15 years creating for others, Taylor is now turning inward. “At this point, I’d rather design my daughter’s room than create for another artist,” he admits. This shift reflects his desire to nurture his own ideas and passions, rather than continuously pouring his energy into external projects. He compares his creative instinct to a bird’s compulsion to fly—a natural force that drives him but also requires a balance of comfort and discomfort.
Taylor’s perspective on art is deeply introspective. He acknowledges the emotional toll of creating, describing it as a process that forces him to dive into “a deep dark place.” Yet, despite the intensity, he finds satisfaction in his body of work. “Even though I haven’t really made anything that amazing, if I died tomorrow, I would be satisfied,” he says.
A Legacy of Impact
Aus Taylor’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. From his early days in Baltimore to his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of visual art. Whether through his evocative music videos or his reflections on society, Taylor’s work leaves a lasting impression. As he shifts his focus toward personal projects, one thing is clear: Aus Taylor is a creative force who will continue to shape the cultural landscape for years to come..
