Robert Barry
Biography of Robert Barry
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Robert Barry
Common Aliases: Often referred to simply as "Barry" in professional circles, Robert Barry is a name synonymous with innovation and creativity in his field.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: January 15, 1940
Death Date: N/A (as of the latest available information)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Artist, Educator, and Innovator
Early Life and Background
Robert Barry was born on January 15, 1940, in New York City, a vibrant hub of cultural and artistic activity. Growing up in the bustling metropolis, Barry was exposed to a diverse array of artistic influences from a young age. His parents, both avid art enthusiasts, encouraged his creative pursuits, fostering an environment where imagination and expression were highly valued. This nurturing backdrop laid the foundation for Barry's future endeavors in the art world.
Barry's formal education in the arts began at Hunter College, where he studied under the tutelage of influential artists and educators. It was here that he honed his skills and developed a keen interest in conceptual art, a movement that would later define his career. His early works were characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the interplay between space, perception, and the viewer's experience.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Robert Barry has been celebrated for his innovative approach to art, particularly within the realm of conceptual art. One of his major accomplishments was his pioneering work in the use of invisible media, such as sound and electromagnetic waves, to create art that transcends traditional visual boundaries. This groundbreaking approach challenged conventional notions of art and expanded the possibilities of artistic expression.
Barry's contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, cementing his status as a leading figure in contemporary art. His influence extends beyond the art world, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the boundaries of creativity and perception.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Robert Barry's most notable works is his series of "Inert Gas" pieces, created in the late 1960s. These works involved the release of inert gases into the atmosphere, an act that was documented through photographs and text. This series exemplified Barry's interest in the ephemeral and the unseen, challenging viewers to consider the imperceptible aspects of art.
Another significant work is his "Telepathic Piece," which involved the transmission of thoughts and ideas without physical manifestation. This piece highlighted Barry's fascination with the intangible and the power of the mind, pushing the boundaries of what art could be.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Barry's impact on the art world is profound and enduring. As a pioneer of conceptual art, he has influenced countless artists and thinkers, encouraging them to explore new dimensions of creativity. His work has been instrumental in redefining the role of the artist and the nature of art itself, emphasizing the importance of ideas and concepts over physical form.
Barry's legacy is evident in the continued relevance of his work and the ongoing dialogue it inspires. His innovative use of non-traditional media and his exploration of the unseen have left an indelible mark on the art world, challenging artists and audiences alike to reconsider their perceptions of art and reality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Barry is widely quoted and remembered for his pioneering contributions to conceptual art and his ability to challenge and expand the boundaries of artistic expression. His work invites viewers to engage with art in new and thought-provoking ways, prompting reflection on the nature of perception and the role of the artist.
Barry's quotes often reflect his philosophical approach to art, emphasizing the importance of ideas and the power of the unseen. His insights continue to resonate with artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts, making him a revered figure in the world of contemporary art. Through his innovative works and thought-provoking ideas, Robert Barry has secured his place as a visionary artist whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Robert Barry
Robert Barry's insights on:
We believe that GM's market share will continue to face persistent long term downward pressure, and that market pricing pressure will intensify over time, eroding GM fundamentals further.
Agnes Martin is a big influence in my work actually, when I first saw her, these fine grids.
The words represent ideas first of all. That is something you have to understand. I mean, it is not just an object, but it is an object with a history and it is loaded with all kinds of implications and ideas. They exist in the world in a very special way. So they kind of represent some aspect of the world that we perceive, as do photographs, as do drawings of trees or whatever. And they are not a one to one. They are not the world, but they kind of refer to the world and they also exist in the world.
I am an artist who works very well under pressure, in fact. I like to have deadlines.
I work with deadlines. It is terrible to be an artist where you are just producing work and nobody gives a damn. Nobody wants to show it.
I shoot in black and white, sometimes color, sometimes if it looks good I shoot out the window of the airplanes or whatever, anything that - sometimes I secretly take secret photos, shoot video of people on the plane if it's not too crowded. I don't know, whatever comes up.
I make videos which are works of art in themselves which have nothing to do with Hollywood movies or anything along those lines and I like videos because they deal with light and dark and time and change and they're just another kind of medium that I can get into and work with when I choose to other than, say, doing something on the wall or a window.