Commission an artwork by Lee Kay-Barry
We can arrange and oversee the creation of a new work, made specifically for you.
Lee Kay-Barry (b. 1995, London) is a Fine Art graduate from the University of Leeds. His practice is influenced by his time studying abroad at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, where the vibrant hues of the Mediterranean left a lasting impact on his palette. Alongside international exhibitions, his work has been shaped through London-based residencies, developing a distinctive style that blends bold colour with emotional depth.
Kay-Barry’s paintings focus on the quiet moments of modern life, often portraying people at rest or lost in thought. Using abstraction and theatrical compositions, his work invites viewers into an intimate space between subject and observer. Figures are depicted through expressive gestures, fragmented shapes and layered textures, drawing inspiration from abstract impressionism while maintaining a strong focus on human connection.
His current body of work reflects on time, memory and identity, exploring how people experience the pressures of contemporary life. Recurring themes of sleep and fatigue speak to struggles with timekeeping and the desire to disconnect from constant demands. Through subtle details and personal motifs, Kay-Barry’s paintings examine the fleeting nature of life and the traces we leave behind, creating spaces that feel both personal and universal.