Tylonn J. Sawyer

This piece of original artwork is ready to hang.

"This is a psychological space where what is thought to be understood about MLK's dream is in fact, not. This misunderstanding can lead to “inappropriate” means to reach a “just” goal or lack thereof.

I chose to have the figure masked to represent "idol worship" in contemporary culture. This worship often takes on the characteristic tropes of the figure being deified (style of dress, quotes, mannerisms) without taking on their main philosophical, ideological, personal beliefs, work ethic, social engagement,etc .

The Portuguese Man of War, which in some cultures symbolizes “faith” relates more to the dream state where wondrous seemingly unrelated things coexist." - Tylonn J. Sawyer

Opening to the public Saturday, January 24th from 7-10pm, Inner State Gallery is proud to present “We Have A Dream” a group exhibition featuring more than 40 emerging Detroit artists, each paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historical “I Have A Dream” speech.

Participating artists include: Allison Vince - Ashley McFadden - Ashley Marie - Ben Saginaw - Bethany Shorb - Brian Lacey - Corey Birdwell - Christopher Batten - Desiree Kelly - Dessislava Terzieva - Ellen Rutt - Eno Laget - Exactly Hi-Tops - James Noellert - Jason Reed - Jeremy Deputat - Jesse Kassel - Jon Parlangeli - Joshua Hanford - Julian Spradlin - Kobie Solomon - Kristin Adamczyk - Lamar Landers - Malt - Mark Sarmel - Michael Eugene Burdick - Michelle Tanguay - Mike Popso - Nick Jaskey - NNII - Paula Schubatis - Paula Zammit - Rashaun Rucker - Rick Williams - Robby Dimaria - Ron Zakrin - Ryan C. Doyle - Sal Rodriguez - Sheefy - Sleep - Sydney G. James - Tead - Tom Stoye - Tylonn J. Sawyer - & Zak Meers

For pricing, shipping information and availability email email [email protected]

This original piece of artwork comes signed by Tylonn J. Sawyer and with an Original Artwork Letter of Provenance from Inner State Gallery.

Tylonn J. Sawyer is a figurative artist who lives and works in Detroit, MI

He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the New York Academy of Art: Graduate School of Figurative Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (drawing & painting) from Eastern Michigan University. He is also the recipient of the Peter T. Rippon Travel Award, independent study at the Royal Academy of Art, London England.

When Tylonn is not painting, drawing, writing, teaching, working as the Youth Program Producer at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, cultivating/maintaining healthy relationships, or seeking some new artistic endeavor, he can be found getting approximately 45 minutes of sleep per year....give or take.