Barry Wilson

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Barry Wilson was taught by a trio of world-leading artists: Bruce Mclean, Cornelia Parker, and Jock Barry Wilson.
Barry is inspired by artists like Peter Doig, Edward Hopper, Gerhard Richter, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Barry’s work explores themes of evanescence and beauty.

Brighton-based Barry Wilson is known for his Abstract Expressionist paintings which he fashions using a unique combination of acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, producing the charming effect of vintage photography. His landscape paintings depict bygone worlds hidden under flaking paint and new age constructions, but not quite forgotten.

Barry’s Education and Early Career

Barry Wilson studied at the Camberwell School of Art, guided by influential artists such as Bruce Mclean, Cornelia Parker, Jock Mcfadden and Ian Mckeever. Barry also spent some time working as an interior designer. He was involved in various TV and Film production projects painting scenery, a period which led to Barry’s fascination with his signature gold leaf medium and the techniques that can be applied to it.

Style and Practice

The aim of Barry’s mixed-media paintings is to emulate the reflection of an antique mirror or the look of a creased yet much-loved photograph. Barry dexterously evokes themes of evanescence and the fragility of memory by distressing the surfaces of his paintings using industrial spray guns, scouring pads and water jets, thereby echoing the peeling facades of the past and the decay of grandeur. All is not quite lost, however, as is suggested and enhanced by the beautiful gold leaf base that shines through. The result, as quoted by Barry, “is a vibrant and edgy captured moment; contemporary and beautiful”, as seen in the magical seascape Golden Light (2020). Barry also experiments with chinoiserie wallpaper and photo montages.

Collections and Exhibitions

Barry has enjoyed international acclaim for his work which has been showcased in major museums and galleries worldwide. His paintings have been homed in private collections across the UK, USA and the Far East. Barry was the 2012 Winner of the prestigious Saatchi Award.

Selected Works

Still life  by Barry Wilson

Still life

Paintings - 100x76 cm
Golden sky  by Barry Wilson

Golden sky

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Storm coming by Barry Wilson

Storm coming

Paintings - 70x100 cm
From the earth  by Barry Wilson

From the earth

Paintings - 60x80 cm
Phthalo Blue  by Barry Wilson

Phthalo Blue

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Fired earth  by Barry Wilson

Fired earth

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Reflecting light  by Barry Wilson

Reflecting light

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Bursting light  by Barry Wilson

Bursting light

Paintings - 100x100 cm
Golden shimmer  by Barry Wilson

Golden shimmer

Paintings - 150x150 cm
Moonlit Gold by Barry Wilson

Moonlit Gold

Paintings - 150x150 cm

Between the sea and the sky

Paintings - 90x90 cm

Walking on glass

Paintings - 75x100 cm

Blue suffuses

Paintings - 90x90 cm

Lowtide light

Paintings - 35x45 cm

Promise

Prints - 60x60 cm

After the storm

Paintings - 80x100 cm

Golden Horizon

Paintings - 100x100 cm

The light

Paintings - 75x100 cm

Piccadilly Circus

Paintings - 80x100 cm

Southbank

Paintings - 80x100 cm

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