EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY

NOTE: This new article, was first published in the current Winter edition of Art & Museum Magazine

Question: Derek Culley (A&M)

“Art for me is an inquiry into the experience of the sublime at the eye of the universe.” -- Barry Mack.   Barry, is this statement from a philosophical or spiritual stance?

Answer: (Mack)

That statement from several years ago, was from a personal perspective and doesn’t reflect my present view of art.  Understanding art in the context of our contemporary art world constantly evolves and this process sheds light on our place in history. An artist’s work changes over time and we express our ideas differently as we arrive at deeper, clearer perspectives. We become more grounded.  

Now I would say contemporary art is about money. Historically it’s been about more aesthetic ideas around beauty, meaning and craftsmanship. Today an artist’s work must communicate effectively with the complex world of art dealers, galleries, auction houses, museums, collectors, critics and media.  And one’s art becomes essentially a business.  Any other approach is ignoring the obvious.

The process and dialogue with art world participants often creates new ideas and perspectives the artist didn’t intend and couldn’t have foreseen, even when intentionally creating work that is a social, political or cultural critique. 

This raises a question about where Abstraction plays a role in the contemporary art dialogue.  Originally, the purpose of abstraction was defined through the writing of artists like Kandinsky but we’ve come a long way from those roots. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of those founding intentions, have led to abstract art for décor or investing.  An artist may have a relevant or meaningful story but the most important consideration from the art worlds perspective is market value. 

Question: A&M

“The art of Barry Mack goes beyond the traditional sensory perception of form and penetrates deep enough to touch the soul.”  —JD Messinger, Author, Speaker, former Naval Commander & CEO for Ernst & Young.  Barry, do you agree with this observation?  Is your art a conscious journey or an accident?  Please discuss.

Answer: Mack

The statement by JD Messinger is a unique perspective I appreciate and respect.  I also realize it isn’t true for everyone who views my art.

The work is definitely a conscious journey.  Several years ago I did a series titled “Natural Forces” because I began to explore how to work with the materials of so it became a dialogue and collaboration with the paint, canvas, gravity and viewer.  Over the years I’ve developed techniques for working with the materials so it feels natural, uncontrolled and even accidental.

Question: A&M

“Mack’s work opens our doors of perception to realms we may have glimpsed only briefly, in dreams or nightmares, trances or trips, and in doing so, they imply something radical about the relationship of outer space to inner: that the two may, in fact, be one and the same." -- Richard Speer: Art Critic & Author. Barry, in our age of science and Technology does your work represent a Contemporary response akin to the Middle Ages Renaissance, the forerunner to the Modern Age; in the Arts and Sciences? Are we in a new age?

Answer: Mack 

That’s a fascinating question and I could understand how my work could be seen that way.

We are in a new age.  The notion of karma has become mainstream and we’re on the verge of unimaginable developments no one could have predicted even 10 years ago.  As we evolve at an exponential rate and AI emerges on the scene, it’s impossible to foresee future implications for art and science. 

In the great book “Art & Physics” by Dr. Leonard Shlain, the author draws parallels to the corresponding developments in science and painting over the past few decades.  That relationship between science and painting could only be seen from the perspective of history.  What I find extraordinary is how the zeitgeist runs through all contemporary endeavors from the arts to science.

The intention of my work is to communicate in the context of our current historical context and create work relevant to both serious collectors and the market.

Question:A&M

The painting titled “Awakening’ is so breathtaking, so ‘familiar’ so GALACTIC!!I I’m deeply moved and excited at the same time. I am completely awed by the depth of vision, the incredible energy that pours from the canvas. I celebrate Barry’s gift and it is clearly a memory – either of the future or the past – there is no difference, in the end.”   —Patricia Cori, best selling Author and internationally acclaimed Thought Leader.  Barry, which is your reality?

Answer: Mack 

Like many artists, their creations evoke ideas and feelings that are unique to the viewer. When I paint, something is expressed beyond what I could imagine or intend.  

The comment by Patricia Cori is astonishing and her perception is not something I consciously tried to create.   If a form, color or atmospheric light suggests something marvelous to my imagination, then yes, I will develop the work in that direction.  My only conscious purpose at the beginning of every painting is to focus on the highest level of artistry to create legacy value for the owner of the work.  I’m awed by the responses to my work and believe it is a tribute to the power of art. This is why we love and need art. It can give wings to our imagination. Art allows feelings to emerge that free us from the mundane and lift us into an experience of the extraordinary.

Barry Mack Art

The work represents an internal world we all share as participants in our global culture. The work delivers to the viewer an experience of visual language that speaks directly to non-verbal perception. Painting is a documentation of our contemporary awareness, exploring the edge of painting history to discover and celebrate the enduring inspiration of Art. To learn more about the contemporary art world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knZcCk581DA

Mack’s critically acclaimed work hangs in private collections in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Dallas, Santa Fe, Portland, Duluth, Canada, Italy, Uruguay, Australia and Nepal. Corporate collections include the Beverly Hall Corporation, Meriweather Group and Schnitzer Steel in New York. The work has been exhibited throughout the US, in Europe and in Australia.

Mack was born in San Francisco, and studied art on the west coast. He now lives and works in East Hampton and Manhattan, NY.

To purchase or commission work, Barry may contacted at [email protected]&  (503) 341-2329      BARRYMACKART.COM