DeKalb, IL
September 1 - November 28, 2006
Printmaking
Michael D. Barnes bases his work to a great extent on self-investigation and the reflection of his subconscious. His recent body of work focuses particularly on human nature and addresses a human trait, which is overwhelmingly obvious and corruptive - the desire to control and to possess. Says the artist: "The strange hybrid, mutated creatures are the bi-product of this trait. They are domesticated. However, they are domesticated beyond recognition and beyond any level of self-identity or function." Barnes received his MFA from the University of Iowa, Iowa City and a BFA from Alma College in Alma, MI. He has had numerous residencies, including two at the Frans Masereel Centrum Residency in Kasterlee, Belgium. An assistant professor of art in printmaking at Northern Illinois University, he has exhibited his work widely in regional, national and international exhibitions.
