WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS - SELECTED WORK

August 14 -September 11, 2020

Atelier Newport presents a mid-August solo exhibition featuring Barry Mason titled, We Hold These Truth. In his own words Barry states: ‘I see myself as a "composer" when I construct my shaped and sculpted abstract paintings. My ideas are drawn deeply from my personal surroundings as well as human events in and around the world. I am influenced by thoughts, feelings and the compulsion to create - motivating me to extend my creative reach & change the boundaries thru my love of shapes. The sculpted shapes are where my ideas, designs and construction begin. The shapes I feel take on a life on its own and at the same time exist not without imagery on the The shapes I feel take on a life on its own and at the same time exist not without imagery on the painted surface. A barrage of conscious and unconscious elements begin to emerge through linear/non-linear lines, forms, colors & backward writing - all weaving in and out the layered painted surface to create a story that may sometimes extend beyond even my conscious. On view at Atelier Newport are 13 of my "lyrical abstract paintings" on shaped canvas. I call them this as for the many forms and layers of visual information that is contained within each artwork. As an artist, I feel compelled to express the relevant social issues of then and now. I take on this in these three particular works:

Change
Hurricane 2-Sudan
Take a Knee.

My attempt is to raise awareness of humankind, conditions, and struggles. As a "composer" the words, messages, icons & forms of color give me the feeling of an artist conducting a symphony - mixing Opera, Jazz, Rock & African drum beats all into one abstract design. I continue to reinvent myself with each painting. Exploring & searching within myself not just who I am, but more so what it is that I would like to see, feel and experience with each work of art.” -Barry Mason