Headshot credit: Sy Battle

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.

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

All images photo credit / Genevieve Hanson

Before the Battle, 2024-25
Oil on canvas
triptych
Overall: 177 x 90 inches

Right to Bear Arms/Second Amendment, 2024-25
Oil on canvas
Diptych
Overall: 193.5 x 70 inches
Left panel: 96.75 x 70 inches
Right panel: 96.75 x 67 inches

Brothers in Arms, 2024-25
Oil on canvas
70 x 66 inches

Sound of Victory, 2025
Oil paint on canvas
78 x 82 inches