Maps, Myths and Muses

About

Looking at Mychael Barratt's prints and paintings is an adventure through time. Describing himself as a 'narrative artist', he collects, categorises and sorts a vast assortment of characters and events both fictional and historical, creating intricate works that amuse and absorb the viewer, some of them very large in scale.
In 'Maps, Myths and Muses' Mychael anticipates a mixture of themes, all responding to his interests in history, art history, theatre, maps and literature.  'This exhibition will be technically and thematically diverse but hopefully all of the works will share an autographic mark of the maker and a sense of humour,' he says.
Mychael is knowledgeable in all of his interests, researching meticulously for his larger works. In the style of a Hogarth conversation piece, he creates rooms full of well-known artists spanning the centuries, all gathered as if in discussion. In his more recent work, he has re-imagined maps of great cities such as London, or New York. Unearthing obscure historical events, he plots each them each in their relevant locations using detailed illustrations. By using etching, a technique for which he is well-known, the art work echoes the many traditions of map-making and narrative artworks from across the centuries.  
Much of Mychael's work is inspired by London. Originally from Canada, Mychael arrived for what was supposed to be a two week stay in 1984, and has never left. 'I was immediately struck by what a truly unique place [London] is. It is a city replete with stories and as a narrative artist this is something that provides constant inspiration. As subject matter, it shifts in and out of my work but will never disappear. I find it ceaselessly compelling.'
Mychael is also planning some newer pieces inspired by Oxford, where Sarah Wiseman Gallery is located. 'I'm planning a couple of Oxford specific pieces and one very large scale painting based loosely on the works of William Hogarth,' he adds.