A new exhibit opening later this month at the public art space in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square will showcase the work of a unique talent who presents playthings from years past in an artistic light.
Jordan Millington Liquorice was raised among multiple generations of strong, vivacious, and creative women, including a World War II veteran who lived to be 105 years old.
Surrounded by their vintage toys, furniture, and keepsakes, Jordan developed a lifelong fascination with objects that carried unique character and enduring charm. That love deepened when his husband, PJ, gifted him a vintage rubber squeaky toy camera, sparking a passionate search for more of these playful treasures.
After years of collecting, including an inspiring trip to Japan where Jordan and PJ uncovered an extraordinary trove of vintage toys, he felt compelled to share their personality and spirit with the world.
Coming from a background in fashion and luxury hospitality, Jordan sought to elevate these toys beyond nostalgic collectibles, presenting them through rich light and intimate perspectives that scale up their gaze, allowing their eyes to meet the viewers directly.
In this way, the toys reveal their whimsical energy and joyful presence, evoking emotion and offering a sense of wonder, connection, and delight.
Here’s how Jordan describes his work:
I thrive on creating photography that brings to life the most vibrant and energetic stories, capturing the purest essence of living in the here and now.
My work is deeply inspired by life’s special moments—those rare instances when we let go and become fully immersed in powerful, uplifting energy that adds grace to life.
I build on these moments, crafting a hyper-surreal world where reality bends into art.
My photography is a blend of dreamlike wonder and grounded emotion, drawing viewers into a world where each moment feels both extraordinary and authentic.
From conceptualization to production, I bring my visions to life with boundless creativity, whether transforming my grandmother’s backyard into a set or orchestrating fully staged productions in major studios.
Every detail, from sketching scenes and scouting unique locations to curating music playlists, is thoughtfully crafted to capture moments that feel true and alive.
Beyond photography, I channel his creative energy into painting and other artistic forms, using them as an expressive outlet and a way to maintain his artistic flow.
My multifaceted artistry is a testament to my passion for storytelling and my dedication to creating art that resonates with raw, vibrant energy.
(Presented by Zynka Gallery, the show hosted at Bakery Square’s Public Art Program opens Oct. 24.)
