I Guess You Had to Be There

I Guess You Had to Be There: Fiber Art by Sean Tyler

Tulsa, OK

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Step into “I Guess You Had to Be There,” an exhibition of fiber artwork by Sean Tyler that reinterprets personal Polaroid photographs of Oklahoma. For the past year, Tyler has embraced the unpredictable charm of a Polaroid camera to capture reference images, moving away from the “perfect” digital reproductions of modern photography.

This series delves into the beauty of chance and the serendipitous flaws inherent in informal photographic processes. Through intricate embroideries and rugs, Tyler translates these unique images. While early works utilize conventional yarn, later pieces are rendered entirely with naturally-dyed yarns, showcasing a deep connection to process and material.

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Inspired by a long-standing interest in botany and prairie preservation in the South and Midwest, some of the subject matter focuses on native species and rural landscapes. This exhibition highlights the fascinating collaboration between the artist, nature, and anachronistic machinery, where elements like light, weather, temperature, and location contribute to the one-of-a-kind results.