Tin Toys & Raw Realities

March 1 - June 28, 2015
Tyler Museum of Art
Tyler, Tx

This exhibition examines a variety of social and political issues through lifelike paintings of vintage toys by Fort Worth artist John Hartley. The title, Tin Toys & Raw Realities, directly references the multiple ideas present throughout this particular body of his work.

Each labor-intensive piece presents a different issue but does not take a stance one way or another on it. Instead, his work forces viewers to form their own opinions through personal experiences, knowledge and cultural biases.

John Hartley grew up in Piqua, Ohio before moving to Fort Worth, Texas. He received both his BFA and MFA from Texas Christian University. His work has been exhibited widely across the United States and can be found in numerous private and public collections.

Images courtesy of John Hartley