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The Artist
Born 1934, Barber has become one of Nigeria’s most prominent artists. While known mainly for his surrealist landscapes, Barber has also created an impressive oeuvre of sculptural pieces. His early influence included the ancient Ife figurines. Barber moved to the UK on a government scholarship to pursue art studies. His art studies however followed a non-traditional route involving seminars, regular museum visits and apprenticeships at sculpture studios. This eclectic mix probably enabled him evolve his own style heavily influenced by the surrealist movement.
In 1971 Barber returned to Nigeria to take up a teaching position at the University of Lagos. While there he helped set up the Centre for Creative studies and was a huge influence in the development of a crop of Nigerian artist who were taught and heavily influenced by his ideas. Barber resides in Ijoko. He still paints when he can. He is still intrigued by nature and the mystery of sight. |
