Tyler Ballon (b. 1996, Jersey City, NJ) creates monumental works inspired by the lives of people in his community. His artistic journey was shaped early on by his grandmother, a community activist and school lunch lady who embodied service and compassion. Tyler’s grandmother recognized his talent and instilled in him a respect for others, regardless of their circumstances.
Though initially torn between sports and art, Tyler chose the latter, dedicating himself to painting with the encouragement of his grandmother and his family. His parents, both pastors, reinforced his faith and sense of purpose. Tyler refined his skills through an advanced art program in his high school—the JC Arts program—and later at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he earned his BFA in 2018.
After graduation, Tyler returned to his community, making its people the focal point of his work. Through large-scale paintings, he honors their lives and experiences, ensuring they are seen and celebrated. His art embodies his faith, principles, and the legacy of his grandmother, offering encouragement and validation to those around him.
Headshot credit: Sy Battle
Artist https://www.tylerdballon.com/
Jeffrey Deitch Gallery https://deitch.com/new-york/exhibitions/tyler-ballon-flying-high
Colossal https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/02/tyler-d-ballon-flying-high/
Art Rabbit https://www.artrabbit.com/events/tyler-ballon-flying-high
PFF Collection https://pffcollection.com/artists/tyler-ballon/
Artefuse https://artefuse.com/tyler-ballon-flying-high-and-sharif-farrag-hybrid-moments-at-deitch-gallery-nyc/
Culture Type https://www.culturetype.com/tag/tyler-ballon/
Raishad J Glover https://raishadjglover.org/researcharchive/2022/12/4/visual-artist-tyler-ballon
The Living Church https://livingchurch.org/church-life/old-masters-and-black-bodies/
eskff https://www.eskff.com/post/meet-tyler-ballon-the-local-artist-tackling-race-in-america
ABC https://abc7ny.com/tyler-ballon-the-house-i-live-in-artist-jersey-city/11225018/
State of the Arts NJ https://stateoftheartsnj.com/video/tyler-ballon/
BOOOOOOOM https://www.booooooom.com/2020/07/08/artist-spotlight-tyler-ballon/
NJ.com https://www.nj.com/hudson/2020/06/jersey-city-artists-powerful-images-catch-the-attention-of-snoop-dogg-ice-cube.html