A burnt tank from Brian McCarty's "WAR-TOYS" exhibit. Photo by The Signal reporter Jonathan Taylor — A burnt toy tank and surrounding figures from Brian McCarty's "WAR-TOYS" exhibit.

UHCL hosts first Texas showing of “WAR-TOYS” exhibit

By Jonathan Taylor Last updated Feb 5, 2018 165 0

UHCL is the first Texas venue to host the traveling art exhibit “WAR-TOYS: Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Strip.” The exhibit is currently traveling the U.S. and made its first Texas stop at UHCL Jan. 29.

“WAR-TOYS” is the passion project of Brian McCarty, a Los Angeles-based artist who has been traveling to war-torn Middle Eastern countries since 2011. McCarty has been documenting the effects of war on children, using the artwork they created during art therapy sessions and bringing them to life through photography by using toys as props to reinterpret the children’s drawings.

The story behind McCarty’s interest starts back with memories from his father’s childhood. McCarty was told his father played with tin soldiers and toys guns as a child, and that he grew up listening to war stories about his “hero dad”(McCarty’s grandfather) during World War II. This led McCarty’s father to believe he had an obligation to enlist and serve.

“Recalling his words, I was left with thoughts of toys as both cultural influencers and artifacts, as well as an old longing to understand some of what my father had experienced,” McCarty said.

McCarty partnered with art therapists, nongovernmental organizations and the United Nations to complete this exhibit and protect the children involved. The exhibit features 17 children’s drawings and 21 photographs from McCarty. All the toys used in the exhibition were locally sourced in the country to help add an authentic feel to each piece.

“From the first time I saw a little girl coloring in pools of blood to every drawing since, it’s impossible not to be affected by what the children choose to share,” McCarty said.

Jeffery Bowen, curator of the UHCL Art Gallery, said he was excited to bring this exhibit to UHCL as this is one of the first exhibits he has featured that works with the concept of art therapy to help with trauma.

There is a booth in the gallery with headphones that allows visitors to listen to the stories of the children. There is a safe zone set up in the gallery where visitors can do art therapy like the children and, if they want, showcase their work on the outside of the gallery.

“I am thrilled that we are able have more than just the art; we have more integrated text, safe room and the books,” Bowen said.

PHOTO: Alicia Hernandez, communications major using the interactive "safe area" at the "WAR-TOYS" exhibit to listen to children stories and participate in art therapy. Photo by The Signal reporter Jonathan Taylor — Alicia Hernandez, communications major, using the interactive “safe area” to listen to children stories and participate in art therapy. at the “WAR-TOYS’ exhibit.

Bowen hopes that the exhibit can inspire people to consider art therapy as a method to help with trauma.

One of the pieces on display is a photograph that ISIS/ISIL appropriated and recreated for propaganda use. It is a photograph of a princess with bombs dropping on her, ISIS/ISIL replaced the princess with their flag protected by a bubble. McCarthy produced a TEDx talk about this issue.

Bowen said this is one of the largest exhibitions on a production and setup scale that UHCL has been able to host. He plans for the UHCL Art Gallery to host more traveling exhibitions to enhance the culture of UHCL.

This is a contracted exhibition, so there must be a person on site at all times. Visitors may have noticed that the lighting is dimmer to help preserve the artwork, also a requirement of the contract.

The exhibition runs from Jan. 29 to March 15 with a closing reception and artist talk with Brian McCarty March 8, 6-8 p.m.

For anyone wanting to conduct organized tours of the exhibit for K-12 groups, contact Bowen at Bowen@UHCL.edu. There are also activities available to take back to the classroom after the tours.