If It Swells, new paintings by Billy T. Lyons
Lumiere Photo
100 College Ave.
Apr 5, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Please join us Friday, April 5th from 6-9pm for the opening of If It Swells, new paintings by Billy T. Lyons.

Informed by the artists of the German Expressionism movement, Lyons’ work explores the realities of growing up in the impoverished, urban environment of Rochester, NY.

Tension is the underlying theme, presenting the viewer with both the dire choices youth in a city face, as well as the often harrowing circumstantial results of coming of age in a dilapidated, rust-belt city. Expect deep hues, bold lines and dark humor as only Billy T. Lyons can deliver.

If It Swells is on view Tuesday – Friday 10-6 and Saturdays 10-2 from 4/5 until 4/27.

Billy Lyons is a multidisciplinary artist from and working in Rochester NY. He obtained his MFA from Lesley University in Boston in summer 2023. His work focuses on the hardships faced growing up in an impoverished urban environment, like Rochester.

Lyons shares, “I tie my upbringing of being born cocaine positive and facing poverty and homelessness as a child. The works are inspired by memories but are meant to connect to a broader audience using nostalgia and pop culture references. This series called “if it swells” is meant to feel normal, have a sense of calm but an undertone of tension and hopelessness.”