Painter Ty Joseph is on the rise – an artist to watch. His first solo show is opening on December 13th at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts in Downtown LA. He will be exhibiting for the first time at Art Basel Miami Beach from December 4th to 9th at the Scope Art Show and, also for the first time, one of his paintings will be on view at the LA Art Show with Vienna-based Gallery Steinerfrom January 23rd through 27th. “One of the things I’m trying to do with my art is connect myself with as many people as possible,” Ty explains. “I’m also trying to bring back more of an elegant style. Something that seems to be missing in our culture in recent years.”
With elegance, precision and pop art influences, Ty’s exhibition breakout series is titled, “The Meaning of L.” “At first, the ‘L’ started just as a graphic image,” he says. “But the shape became something more special that helped me develop other aspects of my art.” He explains it could have emerged unconsciously as the “L” that he dropped in changing his name from Tal to Ty. Or, the “L” of Los Angeles, where he first arrived in 2006.
Settling in LA was his destiny, he says. “With LA and I, it’s a kind of a Catholic marriage, with no option of divorce. It seemed like the perfect match from day one. Anywhere else, I felt I couldn’t make progress. LA allows me to pursue the identity that I want to create for myself.”
Ty’s interest in the U.S. evolved during childhood. Born in Germany, he grew up in Israel watching American TV programs. Years later, after intensive music study, he joined a Chicago-based rock band as bass guitarist. Ty toured with the band, and visited many parts of the U.S. It was a good experience, he says, but he wanted to set his sights higher. “I didn’t feel I was contributing much as a musician in a band,” he explains. “I was never going to be the lead singer, or a famous singer/songwriter; somebody who is actually important. With art, I can be that person who can contribute, and give inspiration. So that’s why I felt that art would be the right thing to do.”
Reaching that goal, though, took nearly a decade. “Working full-time as an artist is expensive. I needed to make money,” he reveals. With savings from jobs in real estate he was able to take the plunge in mid-2016. He was soon exhibiting at Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts on Gallery Row, which participates in the monthly Downtown Art Walk. “I live in Hollywood, so I wasn’t directly connected with Downtown at first, but I knew about the Art Walk and the evolving arts community.” He adds, “When I saw it with my own eyes I was very excited. It was like a happening. It’s just great that there’s one day a month designated for openings. People can roam around and enter different galleries. Other businesses can participate in the Downtown Art Walk as well. It’s a great feature for the community — for art, and life.”
Ty is now working on a large book of his works, writings and photos with a smaller version available at his upcoming shows. As we talk, he looks over at his assistant organizing the images, and offers her a sympathetic laugh. “There are about 300 photos that Tiffany has to work on, and it’s pretty tedious.” Many show him comfortably posing with Hollywood celebrities, famous artists, and a sweeping collection of fashion models. Looking closely, I see something vaguely Warholesque in Ty’s blonde hair, penetrating stare, and devotion to nightlife. Combine this with his soft diction and ambitious leanings, and a resemblance to the pop art icon emerges. The only obvious outlier in the photos is Sunset, Ty’s handsome Siberian Husky with crystal blue eyes who often appears at his side.
“The majority of my influence comes from the New York art scene in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s,” he explains. “I think it was a golden age for art, and our modern art period, especially in America. The earlier golden period would have been the 1920s in France and Europe. But I think the whole Warhol Factory, Keith Haring, Basquiat; they all created a kind of celebrity status for art. This was kind of appealing to me when I was younger. And I think in some ways that can be seen in my art.”
With its high quality of life, wealth, and ubiquitous celebrities, Ty sees Los Angeles as the center for the next golden age of American art. “I think LA is going to be what New York has been to the world in the 20th century. LA will be the 21st century center for art, finance, and other aspects.” He cites the growing number of top level art galleries, and the international and influential Frieze art fair that will debut in LA in February next year. “And there are superstar artists in LA like Mark Bradford. So I think we’re already seeing it happening. It would be great if I can be a part of that.”
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Written by: Lucy Birmingham
Ty Joseph: tyjoseph.com