Looking back on his pre-digital childhood, artist Christopher Rivera finds more than just fond memories, he finds inspiration. The subjects of his paintings are iconic characters like He-Man, Barbie and Mr. Potato Head, transporting the viewer back to their own youth. This collection of works promotes open-ended reflection and a return to the days when children weren’t so quick to grow up.

Raised in Orlando, Rivera now lives and creates in Tallahassee. He recently earned a BFA in Fine Art at the University of Central Florida and is currently an MFA candidate at Florida State University. Through the use of dramatic lighting and familiar textures, he sets a stage for the toys to occupy. He uses oils and acrylics to render materials like satin and wood, creating a contrast to the smooth plastic surface of an action figure or doll.  

Rivera illustrates how commercial objects like a baseball glove, sidewalk chalk, analog clocks and alphabet blocks, can evoke feelings of nostalgia. His work comments on growing up in the late 20th century and how unrecognizable childhood in the 21st century has become. Children today are part of the digital generation and toys have been replaced by mobile phones and computer devices. In this sense, Rivera’s paintings pine for the innocence of youth, longing for a return to a carefree youth.

This exhibition is one of many curated by the Council on Culture & Arts for the Art in Public Places program on behalf of the City of Tallahassee. For more information about this program, click here. For more information about this exhibition, upcoming exhibitions, or the Art in Public Places program, contact Amanda Karioth Thompson at COCA, (850) 224-2500 or amanda@tallahasseearts.org.