We are all
strange puppets.

“When he recovered his senses the Marionette could not remember where he was. Around him all was darkness, a darkness so deep and so black that for a moment he thought he had put his head into an inkwell. He listened for a few moments and heard nothing. Once in a while a cold wind blew on his face. At first he could not understand where that wind was coming from, but after a while he understood that it came from the lungs of the monster. “

-Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

 

Marie's pieces attempt to illustrate the pathway between childhood explorations and adult hardships. Her vision is full of hopes, failures, passion, and mirth, but always presented with a sly element of surprise. "Emotional Reasoning" presents a cryptic view of life from this incredible new talent.
-Bill Shafer
 owner Hyaena Gallery

Marie M. Barr Bio
I grew up in Connecticut the youngest of 9 children. With so many kids in the house, there are few things which you get to claim as your own, and crayons are not one of them. Somehow the red is always missing, or the only colors not worn to the nub are the generic store brand that are too waxy. I turned to the family “junk drawer” to broaden my materials. Always certain to find some hideous shoe laces or some cool antique buttons and Chiquita Banana stickers. This contributed to my love of mixed media.

When it came time for college I knew I would go for art. I earned a
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts and Design from
Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Most of my work is mixed media and is an experimental process. A lot of my earlier work consisted of traditional art finalized with a digital process. My current work incorporates watercolor painting, with inks, markers, or pastels. More recently I have been working in oil.

Artist Statement
As an artist, I have always been interested in people. Our emotions, how we perceive ourselves, how we relate to others, and the masks we put on to hide our feelings.

We are all strange puppets. We should be the masters of our own fate, but instead our emotional reactions overwhelm our course of action. I explore our inner turmoil.

My art can be described as emotional surrealism. It is a visual expression of emotions, self-perceptions and relationships. Sometimes the work is an expression of self defeat, shame, and unrealistic expectations when you cannot see clearly. Other times my work addresses bravery and triumph which can only happen once you identify your monster.

Resume

Education

BFA Communication Arts & Design Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Graduated Cum Laude

Upcoming shows

Style Lounge
2008, May 24 - July 6
Tarzana, CA
Group Show

Distinction Gallery - Escondido, CA
2008, October 6- November 2nd
3 person Group Show

Past solo shows

Hyaena Gallery - Burbank, CA
2007, June 16th
Solo Show

Past group shows

111 Minna Gallery
2008, January 25th
San Francisco, CA
Group Show

ISM Gallery
2008, January 25th
Long Beach, CA
Group Show

The Saving Christmas Festival
2007, Dec 15th
Carlsbad, CA
Group Show

Cannibal Flower 07 year anniversary show
at Hangar1018 Los Angeles, CA - August 2
Group Show

Untitled Love Project – Santa Ana, CA
2007, May 5th
and Thinkspace Gallery Los Angeles, CA
2007, August 4th
Group Show

Cannibal Flower - Los Angeles, Ca
2007, March Group Show

The Hive - Los Angeles, Ca
2007, March 31st Group Show

Art Works Gallery - Richmond, VA
2005, March “All Media Show”
2004, June “All Media Show”
2004, May “All Media Show”
2004, April “All Media Show”

Crossroads Art Center - Richmond, VA
2004, September "All Media"
2004, April "All Media"

Velocity Comics - Richmond, VA
2004, March “KITTYCATS...IN PERIL!”
Juror: George Pratt
First place. Cash award

Velocity Comics - Richmond, VA
2004, February "Now THERE'S something you don't see every day!”