SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts proudly continues "ENIGMA: Puzzling, Ambiguous, Inexplicable” through Nov. 2. This groundbreaking three-person exhibition features narrative charcoal drawings by Michael D. Barnes, Illinois; contemporary sculptural ceramics by D. Michael Coffee, Colorado; and thought provoking paintings by Karl Isberg, Colorado. Gallery hours are Thurs. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment.
Nine of Michael D. Barnes large-scale narrative drawings are on display in the first of SHY RABBIT’s two main exhibition spaces. “The Communication” hangs on a wall of its own, measuring nearly 5ft x 9ft, and was the result of a 3-month residency at the Beemis Center of Contemporary Art in Omaha, Nebraska. This impressive group of original drawings underscores Barnes' technical skill and unrestrained imagination. Continued...
Michael D. Barnes received his BFA from Alma College in Michigan in 1991, and his MFA from the University of Iowa in 1996, both with a focus on printmaking. Further studies include a lithography workshop at Tamarind Institute of Lithography in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Barnes has also participated in a number of residencies at the Frans Masereel Centrum in Belgium, the Bemis Center of Contemporary Art in Omaha, Nebraska, and the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota.
“My work contains a great amount of personal narrative and metaphor. While personal meaning is embedded in the imagery, I am particularly fascinated with narratives that evolve naturally from the mind - from the subconscious. I enjoy the process of allowing the narrative and imagery to unfold as I create, versus working with a preconceived plan,” states Barnes.
“I strive to create images that pose psychological dilemmas and create mysteries in which the viewer is challenged to solve and / or interpret. The images that emerge from my imagination often include figures - sometimes human, sometimes genetically or physically mutated or altered beasts - that are often interacting with surreal or ambiguous environments. Their purpose and existence are cloaked in mystery and they are frequently conducting mundane, seemingly mindless tasks that pose questions for the viewer as to the story or narrative,” Barnes continues.
“I enjoy science fiction literature and cinema, punk rock and heavy metal, record collecting, my cacti collection. I enjoy drawing and making prints and using my imagination to create stories. In general, I am inspired by all around me – the movies I watch, the books I read, the video games I play, the politics of my job and the greater world, my family, and my friends. My art is the center of my life where it all melts together’" Barnes concludes.
Barnes is currently an Associate Professor of Art and Head of the Printmaking program at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, where he has taught
since 1998. His work has been exhibited in over 100 competitive group exhibitions since 1996, including exhibitions in Wales, Poland, Taiwan, Estonia, Japan, Romania, Finland, and the Republic of Macedonia.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of Hwy 160, off of North Pagosa Blvd. The 4,000 sq. ft. arts facility houses a ceramic studio & gallery, a mixed-media workshop, and two large exhibition spaces. Gallery hours are Thurs. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. For more information on SHY RABBIT; please visit http://www.shyrabbit.com, or call (970) 731-2766. |