Purple Art
[December 21 2021]
“The House I Live In,” an exhibition by Tyler Ballon at Jeffrey Deitch, New York
Jersey City born and raised, Tyler Ballon’s imagery goes against the stereotype of people of color in the mass media. A son of two pastors, Ballon’s work celebrates the love of family, partners, and one another that emanates from the Black Christian church. One of Ballon’s primary subjects is the professions that members of his community were able to pursue within the white power structure, such as pastors, barbers, and hairstylists. He focuses on the careers that involve intellectual achievement and technical skill rather than the physical prowess of athletes. He strives to separate his celebration of Black community from the stereotype of slaves’ bodies. His work emphasizes love and spirituality as the path to advancement.
On view now until 22 January 2022 at Jeffrey Deitch
18 Wooster St, New York
Photos by Ava Perman
