On View: Feb. 14 to April 5, 2026
Artists’ Talk: February 19, 7-7:45 PM
Reception: February 21, 4-6 PM

Scroll down to view a 3D tour of the exhibit.

The Tremaine Gallery at The Hotchkiss School presents Historic Presence, a solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based artist Taha Clayton, curated by Terri Moore, Director of the Tremaine Gallery. The show opens Feb. 14 and runs through April 5, 2026.

Grounded in James Baldwin’s reminder that “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history,” Historic Presence explores the living relationship between personal legacy and collective memory. Inspired by the spirit and style of the 1930s to 50s, Clayton’s portraits honor the resilience, joy, and quiet dignity of elders whose stories shape the American experience. Through these depictions of ordinary yet powerful moments, the exhibition invites viewers to consider the depth and humanity embedded in everyday life.

The exhibition will feature works, primarily oil on canvas, accompanied by charcoal and graphite drawings. Clayton also incorporates props built during his creative process, presented as installation elements that expand the narrative world of the paintings.

Born in Houston and raised in Toronto, Clayton brings a global lens to classical realism. His work juxtaposes historical and futurist themes, often through portraits that challenge misconceptions about ethnic antiquity. Influenced by his Muslim upbringing and cultural heritage, Clayton aims to dismantle narratives of despair by presenting figures rooted in empowerment, beauty, and truth. His meticulous rendering of fabric and form underscores the individuality and humanity of each subject.

Clayton’s work has received significant international recognition. In 2024, one of his paintings was selected for the Lunar Codex “Nova Collection,” sending an image of his work to the surface of the moon as part of a time capsule that will remain there indefinitely. He has exhibited with the Art Renewal Center at MEAM (Europe Museum of Modern Art) in Barcelona, and his work appeared on the cover of New American Paintings in 2023. His artistic journey was also featured in the award-winning documentary Heavyweight Paint (2016). Clayton is also the official artist for the Troutbeck Symposium, and The Hotchkiss School continues to engage with Troutbeck through this partnership while expanding Clayton’s role as an artist-in-residence, where he will work closely with our students.

Historic Presence includes an Artists’ Talk on Feb. 19 from 7 to 7:45 PM and a Reception on Feb. 21 from 4 to 6 PM. Both events offer an opportunity to engage with the artist and explore the stories behind the work.

Historic Presence offers an intimate, resonant look at heritage, identity, and the echoes of history that shape contemporary life.

About the Tremaine Gallery
The Tremaine Art Gallery is located at 11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed Mondays and during the School’s Spring break, March 7 through March 23, 2026.

View a 3D Tour of the Exhibit