RAD has taught in museums, public and independent schools and community centers. Student Artwork

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ABOUT Rick Anthony Diaz

RAD's art changed profoundly when he began to teach art to young children. He saw the world through their eyes, and wished that their future was free from racism, sexism, homophobia, war, and climate change. He started using child-related imagery in his art as a way to speak to these issues. His work explores the challenges inherent in hoping for a better future.

Originally from Los Angeles, RAD is an artist and educator based in Harlem, New York. He majored in Fine Arts with a minor in Art Education from The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. He has been in several solo and group exhibitions in New York City and abroad. He received a grant from the NYC City Artist Coporation. His most recent artist residency was at Watershed Studios in Galway, Ireland. 

ARTIST STATEMENT for the TOYLAND WARS SERIES

Children invent stories while playing with toys to try to make sense of their world. In this story, toys live peacefully in a place called Toyland.

The series is based on the inserurrection of the capital of the United States of America on January 6, 2021. In this "what if" narrative, what if the toy green army sides with the insurectionists, attacking the town in a series of battles, each one gaining closer to their goal of securing city hall. The rest of the toys in Toyland, who normally keep to themselves in their own neighborhoods, for example, dolls, action figures, building toys, board games and stuffies live isolated from each other, must decide to band together and fight their common enemy. Paintings and drawings feature battle scenes in moments of solidarity, success and desperation.