What I'd love for you know about me:
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I create art to help people learn about themselves by focusing on themes of identity and social constructs. I use sculpture and installation to create physical spaces that allow viewers to explore their thought and behavioral patterns. I mix materials like mirrors, metal, clay, and semi-precious stones to emphasize our capability to hold space for all parts of ourselves – even the aspects seemingly in conflict with one another. I spent nine years in a corporate project management career while maintaining a passion for art and design. I was often told to "pick a lane" between my art and professional career. When I finally pursued art and design, I was again told to pick a lane in regards to what types of art I create. That has fueled my work as a multi-disciplinary artist. The lane I chose - and choose every day - is to help people be their truest selves and meaningfully connect with others. As a child in a military family, I was lucky to experience people of all backgrounds in the US and abroad. In focusing on our similarities, I've found our differences become secondary and allow for deeper connection and understanding. If you're still reading this, I might not know how you found me - but I'm happy you did.
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Love,
Tyra J
CLIENTS & PARTNERS
ABBREVIATED CV
Residencies
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2023 - Chateau d’Orquevaux Artist & Writers Residence, Orquevaux, FR
2024 - Arte Sumapaz Artist Residency, Sumapaz, CO (forthcoming)
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Selected Exhibition History
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2024 - Solo Exhibition, Celestial Origins, Reeve's Art + Design, Houston, TX. USA (forthcoming April 20, 2024)
2023 - Kauri Gallery, Dallas, TX. USA
2023 - ITSLIQUID and Italian-German Cultural Association, Canvas International Art Fair, Venezia, IT
2022-2023 - Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition, African American Museum of Dallas, Dallas, TX. USA
2022 - Wescover, WestEdge Design Fair, Dallas, TX. USA
2022 - Promise House Inc, All That Swag Charity Auction, Dallas, TX. USA
2022 - Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair, Brooklyn, NY. USA
2022 - Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair, Chicago, IL. USA
2022 - Art 214 Juried Exhibition, Latino Cultural Center, Dallas, TX. USA
2022 - Art of Consent Juried Exhibition, 500X Gallery, Dallas, TX. USA
2021 - Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair, Dallas, TX. USA
2021 - Honorable Judge Amber Givens, Equitable Justice Art Show, Dallas, TX. USA
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Awards & Speaking Engagements
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2024 - Artist Talk Moderation, From Behind the Vine by Abi Salami, Pencil on Paper Gallery, Dallas, TX. USA
2023 - Nasher Sculpture Center Grant Recipient, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, TX. USA
2023 - Artist Talk, Afro Mingei by Theaster Gates, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, TX. USA
2023 - Special Mention, Bruxelles Art Vue Foundation Yearly Prize 2022, Brussels, BE
2023 - Denis Diderot Grant, Chateau d’Orquevaux Artist & Writers Residence, Orquevaux, FR
2023 - Emerging Artist Grant, Chateau d’Orquevaux Artist & Writers Residence, Orquevaux, FR
2022 - Juror’s First Choice, Art of Consent Juried Exhibition, Dallas, TX. USA
Publications
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Art Vue Foundation 2022 Yearly Prize, Bruxelles Art Vue Foundation, 2023
MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule, Sovereign Noir Publications, 2022, 42-43
“Meet Tyra Johnson” Canvas Rebel, May 12, 2022
“Meet Tyra Johnson” Voyage Dallas, February 3, 2022