Barka - Black Romanticism

About

Black Romanticism is a series of paintings on discarded and abandoned glass windows and doors, including some frames over 60 years old. Black Romanticism is symbolic of the disposable nature that rapid social change brings.

Rising star on London's art scene Barka, a graduate from the University of Arts London is launching his second solo show entitled Black Romanticism, Copeland Gallery, SE15 3SN, 16-18 October.

Over the past five years his art has been exhibited in numerous shows in London, New York, Alice Springs, Australia and Nairobi, Kenya.

London is his muse for Black Romanticism. This new collection explores his passionate but conflicted love affair with his newly gentrified city.

Black Romanticism is a series of paintings on discarded and abandoned glass windows and doors, including some frames over 60 years old. Black Romanticism is symbolic of the disposable nature that rapid social change brings.

Distant forces decide for Londoners what are cherished keepsakes and what is easily let go. This ultimatum is played out in the socio-political arena with mounting tensions which obscure communal bonds and individual identities as gentrification under the guise of regeneration has become the natural order of things. The oeuvre gives the voyeur a window seat on the tour of Barka's beloved city, captured it in its full glory.

With a keen interest in architecture, fashion and interior design, Black Romanticism pays homage to Turner's 1798-1845 iconic vanilla sky studies, drawing from daily observations of the idyllic moments when the sun sets on London, mixing yellows, pinks and purples to create dreamlike realities.

Amidst the gentifrication, a Life long Londoner, Barka feels that he is becoming a stranger in his beloved city.

 Alongside the southern bank of the Thames, once an abundance of corner shops and pubs, has been invaded by towering cranes, scaffolding poles on every block and road work signs obstructing nearly every junction. New buildings penetrate the sky as London ascends the throne as the cultural capital of the world…

"But where does it leave me and our shared memories? Where is my place? My home? Is home still where the heart is? He says.