Liam Barr b. 1966

Biography

Liam Barr was born in Scotland in 1966 and immigrated to New Zealand with his family in 1974. Following a period of travel overseas, Barr settled in Perth W.A. where he trained and worked as graphic designer. Barr returned to New Zealand in 2004 to further develop his artistic career.

A recurring theme in Barr's work is the idea of symbolism reflecting an aura of pathos, displacement, and insight into contemporary New Zealand life. Barr's finely honed skills convey his concerns with delicacy and perception aspects of the human condition. With a breath of irony his works delve into more serious concerns.

Art Historian Michael Dunn writes; "Barr comes across as a genuine conservationist with a real concern for New Zealand's flora and fauna. But his manner of conveying his concerns is far from dry and proselytising. It is engaging and provocative and allows the viewer to get involved through his wit and striking juxtapositions of subject-matter".

He goes on to describe Barr's current work; "Liam Barr has always had affiliations with Surrealism and now works in a comparable time of political and social upheaval. Barr's imagery is independent of the rational and the literal in its search for feelings and meanings beyond everyday experience. His painting is a vehicle for reflecting upon the issues that now confront society world-wide."

Barr's exhibition 'Out of Kilter' 2022 reflects a Covid-19 world embedded with ideas of turmoil and confusion. Barr considers the work carefully and it demands reflection, not just a quick look. There is no clear narrative, no one meaning. He seems to capture a glimpse of the uncertainty in our society still riddled with confusion and fear. For both young and old these are parlous times and the new paintings shown in 'Out of Kilter' capture the psychological stress of the situation.

Barr's paintings have been shown in public exhibitions - 'Tears For Tane's Children' at the Whangarei Art Museum and 'Mind Games, An Exhibition of Surrealism in Aotearoa' at Hastings City Art Gallery.

Works
Exhibitions