ARTIST SPOTLIGHT P. 036
IVY LEAVES JOURNAL OF LITERATURE & ART
EDITION 99
Lessons in Laughter:
Tyson Gentry on Unserious Art
ARTIST TYSON GENTRY
WRITTEN BY MEG HINDMAN
Art comes in many forms, and for Tyson Gentry, the best of it sparks laughter. As I sit across from Tyson in the home he shares with his friends, it is evident that laughter is a natural state for him. He smiles often and laughs loudly, especially as he speaks about his art projects. When I ask him what his art means, Tyson leans back and tells me, “It really just says what’s going on in my brain. There’s not any sort of ‘I wanna get this message to people!’ It’s something I enjoy… It says things about me, about what I like and what I experience.” Tyson’s work connects with people because it is honest. He creates in the same manner that he lives, with joy, fun, and a sense of humor.
In his time as an art education student, he has explored many different mediums and styles. Abstract and high art dominated much of his work while he improved his technique and skills. Now in his senior year of college, Tyson spends much of his creativity on new ideas and subjects, and is experimenting with bringing fun, lighthearted energy to his pieces.
Many artists take their craft seriously, but Tyson makes a point of being unserious in his creativity. While he does work hard to master new techniques or explore new ideas, he holds the process loosely and creates according to his passions. He shared that many artists “make art in order to get a sad reaction.” For him, though, “[Art] doesn’t always have to be sad. Art isn’t supposed to be sad.” He thinks the cultural mindset may be changing, however. “I think that’s actually a trend that’s kinda coming around…[New art is] more superficial but it makes me laugh.” His art is a reaction to his life, rather than intending to draw a reaction from others.
“Art isn’t supposed to be sad.”
Outside of creating innovative and reactive art, Tyson spends his time teaching, enjoying movies and music, and building community with his church and friends. These aspects of his life inform his art and shape his creative process. His interests in media vary across a wide range of genres and forms. He listens to music any chance he can get, primarily sweeping, ambient instrumental pieces or high-energy rock and pop. Social media makes up a large portion of his sense of humor, particularly “brainrot, nonsensical style” content.
Lately, Tyson has been enjoying creating airbrush art and playing around with presenting serious figures and ideas in a humorous, lighthearted manner. His recent pieces include airbrush paintings of Donald Trump and Joe Biden in bright colors and bows. Others feature a self-portrait composed of meat, wires, and his own hair, or a vintage monitor playing nostalgic video clips overlaid with a painting of young Tyson. As he teaches, he desires to show students that art is applicable to life.
He encourages his students to share their stories through their art, similarly to how Tyson shares his experiences through his work. He connects with audiences through his art by showing his life honestly and presenting his story in simple, eye-catching ways. Endlessly pursuing his next new passion, Tyson will continue to explore art as a creator and a reactor. Passion lies at the heart of the creative experience, and Tyson embraces a wide range of emotions as a maker and innovator.
