Major new exhibition from Yorkshire artist Bob Barker comes to Hull Images attached: Bob Barker, and two of the paintings from the exhibition: I’ll break your heart, and Together Together
Northern Light, a brand new exhibition from Yorkshire artist Bob Barker, opens at The Artmarket Gallery in Cottingham – a partnership gallery of Washington Green Fine Art – on Saturday 27 August. One of the UK’s most beloved contemporary artists, Bob is renowned for his evocative representations of northern mill towns and his self-styled ‘Northern Impressionism’. His much anticipated Northern Light exhibition, showcasing new signed limited edition releases, boutique editions and never-before-seen original work, is inspired by the unique qualities of the north. Where others might see soot-blackened stone and polluted skies, Barker’s paintings depict the light that shines from towns dominated by their industrial legacies. With over a decade of experience as a professional artist, the coming year will prove a landmark period for Bob with Hull, next year’s City of Culture, one of three northern cities to showcase the Northern Light exhibition this year. The tour will culminate in Bob’s debut museum exhibition at Leeds City Museum in January 2017: the iconic and historic setting will complement the artist’s nostalgic work which expertly captures the Yorkshire of his youth, seen again through the eyes of an adult.
One of the UK’s bestselling contemporary artists, Bob says: “Nostalgia spurs me to paint by looking back to childhood; this allows me to be quite free artistically. In my neck of the woods, with the subjects I paint, most people see soot blackened stone and polluted skies, but I see colours. The echoes of my past become my future paintings – and they’re still full of life.” Michelle Power, The Artmarket Gallery’s owner, says: “Northern Light is a milestone in Bob’s career, and I believe he has produced some of his finest work to date; a combination of the experienced artist painting from the heart, and paying respect to the north that made him the man he is today. “His upcoming museum show in 2017 is set to cement his standing as one of the UK’s most popular contemporary artists and is sure to resonate strongly with northern communities.”
A recent painting by Bob commissioned by The Artmarket Gallery, Table for two, depicting a couple arriving for dinner at the Pipe and Glass Inn in South Dalton near Beverley on a rainy, moonlit evening, sold out in a limited edition print of just 54 signed by both Bob and Pipe and Glass chef/owner James Mackenzie. Northern Light can be seen at The Artmarket Gallery, 197 Hallgate, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, HU16 4BB from 27 August to 10 September 2016; entry is free of charge. The Artmarket Gallery is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
