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Designer
  • Artwork
  • Profile
  • Exhibitions
  • Interview
Charlotte Barker
Other (BA Hons Fine Art / 2011)
  • Token Surprise
    Size (H x W x D): 4.5 x 20 x 19.5 cm
    £195.00
  • The Dresden Green Diamond
    Size (H x W x D): 25 x 25 x 5 cm
    £220.00
  • The Table of Islam Diamond
    Size (H x W x D): 25 x 25 x 5 cm
    £220.00
  • Token Solace
    Size (H x W x D): 4.5 x 20 x 19.5 cm
    £195.00
  • Token Advice
    Size (H x W x D): 4.5 x 20 x 19.5 cm
    £195.00
  • The Pumpkin Diamond
    Size (H x W x D): 25 x 25 x 5 cm
    £220.00
  • Not Fragile
    Size (H x W x D): 10 x 10 x 10 cm
    £65.00

Profile

The value of an artwork is an indeterminate thing, priceless in every sense as some are fought over at auction where others are destined to gather dust in their place of conception, the artist’s studio. It is this point of value and desirability of certain items that directs my practice as I demonstrate the illogical nature of perceived luxury. Exploring the psychology of acquisition, I review the emotions of the collector as he covets an item of luxury by interpreting objects of desire and revealing the artificiality of their aura. Through researching the phsycolology of consumption through history, I am able to use my knowledge to dissolve the collector’s desires for possession, playfully devaluing the items from their original status. My practice aims to demystify the luxury commodities that media force upon us with idealistic notions of a better existence. The pieces created utilize common signifiers of value, some overtly where others take on a more symbolic approach. In actual fact, the enjoyment is short lived and substituted with the realization that he owns just a segment of the whole collection, a collection cleverly devised to leave him wanting more. As with the collector and his collection, my work takes on a serial approach, each subtly different from the next but similar enough in order to simulate the selectional process of the shopping
experience.


In using techniques such as printmaking, casting, laser-cutting and engraving, the work’s become easily multiplied and yet remain individual enough through the detailed finishing of the artists hand. Through creating multiples of a single piece, I am eliminating the privileged individual as well as challenging the illusion of aura that so often influences value. In order to possess the whole work, the individual must repeat this cycle of consumption as he seeks to form a sense of ownership and identity emanated through the object.

Packaging and display play a major role in my practice, as these are the tools of consumption. Through packaging the artwork, it immediately becomes self-contained, a tactile piece of design that resembles that of high-market corporate gifts with the custom-made inserts as perfect and beautiful as the items they hold.

Exhibitions

(Commencing) March 2011 – SNW/BLND, Vyner Street Gallery, London

(Commencing) Jan 2011 – Five Quarters, Acquire Arts, Battersea, London

2010 – Minutiae, Bank Street Arts, Sheffield.

2010 – Twenty-Ten, The Liverpool Biennial Independents, Liverpool.

2010 - Art For Change, Halford Street, Leicester.

2010 – Art For Change, The Highcross, Leicester.

2010 – Group Exhibition, The Empire Gallery, Vyner Street, London.

2010 - Bang/Tidy, Vanilla Galleries, Malcolm Arcade, Leicester.

2009 – Group Exhibition, Loughborough University, Leicestershire.

2007 – Group Exhibition, Assembly Rooms, Derby.

Awards:

2009 - Mature Student Achievement Award.

2009 - Loughborough University Development Trust Prize.

Interview

What is your favourite film of all time?

I think Moulin Rouge would have to top it for me, although I’m normally more into the sci-fi stuff like Inception and The Island.

What music are you currently listening to and why?

Anything and everything. Compilation CD’s were made for me! Having said that, I really love the Elton John cover by Ellie Goulding at the moment – slushy I know!

Which living artists do you most admire and why?

It’s a controversial one but Damien Hirst. I think the way he has manipulated the Art market is fascinating. People may think he has sold out but he’s basically made the art world work for him and who wouldn’t want that?
I’d also like to sit down for a good chat with Michael Landy and Alan McCollum as they are both wonderful artists for different reasons.

Which deceased artist do you most admire and why?

Duchamp is responsible for changing the way we think about art so it would have to be him.

Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?

The Multiple Art Fair at Christies recently was really good as you don’t generally see so much printmaking under one roof. Also, it wasn’t too large so there was time to really soak up each piece.

What is the question you get asked most frequently about your work and how do you answer it?

‘Why is everything you do, a multiple?’ Well, there are two reasons for this; I am a bit OCD with numbers and I want more people to be able to enjoy my artworks, not just the privileged individual.

What / who inspired you to be an artist?

I’m not sure about who inspired me but I knew I was going to be an artist when I was about five and I was given a picture of a rabbit to colour in. I took the photocopy away and sat at my desk for a few minutes, then got up and told my teacher I had finished. She looked at me with real confusion and told me I hadn’t done anything, to which I replied that it was a white rabbit! I think it’s that kind of smart arse stuff that makes a fine artist!

Can you tell us about where you make your art and what if any the significance of this location is?

I make most of my work in my studio in Loughborough or at home, however I don’t think either location influences my work as such, but perhaps the company I keep.

What do you like most about being an artist?

I love the little world you get immersed in, it’s like a private society with a secret handshake and knowing nod.

What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?

I am rather pleased to have won a commission recently for the Paralympics. There is also a BBC documentary surrounding the athlete I am working with on the project of which I feature several times.

What are your plans for the coming year?

My plans are to work my socks off to get the best degree possible and hopefully move on to do a Masters in London next year. I have also got two exciting shows planned for early next year that I have co-curate, one in Battersea and one on Vyner Street.