I was born in the community of Bogalusa, LA. in the month of December, 1971.  When I turned four my family moved to Baton Rouge, LA., where the public school system provided me with my earliest introduction to art making.

All throughout my education as a youth I was drawing. I didn’t really imagine myself as an artist until I attended Southern A&M University as an Art major.  I also attended Memphis College of Art for graduate study where I was awarded a Master’s of Fine Art degree in Sculpture in 1999.  I began my academic career in New Orleans at Dillard University where I currently direct the Visual Arts program.

My work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States and also in juried international biennials. My work is primarily wood, which I construct into assemblages.  Inspiration for my work is based on the surroundings in New Orleans and the delta region as a whole.  It is also influenced by local news reports that highlight activities such as: gentrification, income inequity, racism, violence, and justice.

www.johnbarnesart.com/