Atlanta native, Robert Hightower’s “Icons of the Toybox” is a collection of oil and enamel paintings that reflect on the mass production and marketing of non-essential products starting in the 1950s, inaugurating our transition from basic capitalism to what he calls ‘American Consumerism.’
The paintings in “Icons of the Toybox” are fusions of experiences drawn from television, cartoons, films, toys, advertising, marketing, memory, and imagination—compressed into a single image, resembling a form of visual superposition. These works are a careful merging of opposites: color fields with objects, complementary and contrasting colors, positive and negative linework, with the interplay of freehand painting throughout. The compositions are intentionally flat in both form and finish. The use of enamel enhances this flatness, creating a flashing effect that simulates movement within stillness.
Traditionally, icon paintings emphasize a singular object or a grouped arrangement within a classical triangular composition, inviting deep meditation and admiration. While religious figures have historically been the subjects of icons, in today’s society—and within Robert’s work—icons can represent anything. “In our capitalist culture, we often idolize material possessions and money,” says Robert. “Toys, in particular, serve as nostalgic instruments that white-wash the past while promoting the ‘American Dream.’ Some of my earliest memories involve a 12-inch G.I. Joe, a Big Wheel, and plastic cowboys and Indians.”
Unlike traditional icons, these paintings lack a central focal point, encouraging the viewer’s eye to move continuously across the surface.
This creates a purposefully disorienting effect, where the collective whole takes precedence over individual components. Robert’s goal is to evoke the sensation of a child watching Saturday morning cartoons, riding a sugar rush from bowls of processed cereal and cinnamon rolls. This series is part of a larger on-going body of work that explores the “Age of Consumerism.” Previous exhibited series include “The Apocalypse Simulacra (2020),” and “Public Food (2023).”
"The Liberator, The Slave, The Goddess, The Jester, The Hedonist," oil and enamel on panel, 12 by 6 inches each
"The Everything & The Nothing," oil & enamel on panel, 36 by 48 inches
"The Dilettante, The Athlete, The Scribe, The Saboteur, The Hero," oil and enamel on panel, 12 by 6 inches each
"Anglo-American Dreams," oil & enamel on panel, 36 by 48 inches
"The Damsel, The Scribe, The Guide, The Pioneer, The Pioneer," oil and enamel on panel, 12 by 6 inches each
"Rugged Individualism," oil & enamel on panel, 36 by 36 inches
"Water Sport, Diver Down," oil and enamel on panel, 18 by 18 inches each
"The Sadist, The Advocate, The Avenger, The Mediator, The Henchman," oil and enamel on panel, 12 by 6 inches each
"Reverse is the Function of the Tao; Weakness is the Function of the Tao," oil & enamel on panel, 36 by 48 inches
"Gunship, Battle Cat, X-Wing," oil and enamel on panel, 18 by 18 inches
"Code of Arms," oil and enamel on panel, 36 by 36 inches
"Tie, Magus, War Horse," oil and enamel on panel, 18 by 18 inches
"The Guru, The Manipulator, The Martyr, The Student, The Priest," oil and enamel on panel, 12 by 6 inches each
"Beyond Good and Evil," oil and enamel on panel, 36 by 48 inches
"Masters," oil and enamel on panel, 36 by 48 inches
Atlanta-based Artist Robert Hightower received his BFA in sculpture from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City and participated in The Bronx Museum of the Art’s AIM Fellowship (Artist In the Marketplace). While in New York, his interests expanded to include art installation and the creation of spaces, and has since designed and built many unique homes, penthouses and restaurants throughout the United States. He's shown his work across the Southeast and was most recently featured at the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair.
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