Leap Year, Barbara Morrison, 2020, gouache on paper, 20 x 22 in. / 50.8 x 55.88 cm.

Exploring Folklore Through Color: The Art of Barbara Morrison

September 10, 2024 Gavin Coates

Barbara Morrison's art invites viewers into vibrant, imaginary worlds where folklore and fantasy intertwine.

Barbara Morrison is a contemporary artist known for her imaginative landscapes and vibrant depictions of flora and fauna, blending folklore and fantasy to explore themes of nature, life, and the mystical.

Her use of bold colors and detailed compositions brings to life narratives filled with mythical creatures, whimsical landscapes, and deep symbolism. Morrison’s artwork serves as both a celebration of nature and a playful exploration of the unknown.

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Handsome Devil (2010)

Handsome Devil, Barbara Morrison, 2010, mixed media, 16 x 10 in. / 40.64 x 25.4 cm.

In Handsome Devil, Morrison crafts a captivating mixed-media piece that juxtaposes a blue, floral-covered devil with a skeletal figure marking time on a pocket watch. The devil, both alluring and sinister, is encased within a vividly painted arch, exuding an enigmatic energy that hints at themes of mortality, time, and the duality of existence. The layered textures and colors draw the viewer into a dialogue about the nature of good and evil, and the transient nature of life.

Fantasy Land (2020)

Fantasy Land, Barbara Morrison, 2020, gouache on paper, 24 x 22 in. / 60.96 x 55.88 cm.

Morrison’s Fantasy Land is an enchanting, dreamlike depiction of an imagined community thriving within a circular utopia. Using gouache, she skillfully illustrates a vibrant and dynamic setting filled with multi-colored houses, lush greenery, and flowing waterways. The piece evokes a sense of childlike wonder and nostalgia, reminiscent of fairy tales where harmony and whimsy reign supreme. Morrison’s careful attention to detail and color creates a world where the viewer is encouraged to find hidden stories within the miniature scenes that populate the landscape.

Tree of Life (2015)

Tree of Life, Barbara Morrison, 2015, gouache on paper, 18 x 18 in. / 45.72 x 45.72 cm.

In Tree of Life, Morrison employs a more symbolic approach, portraying a majestic tree teeming with life. Birds, lizards, and other small creatures coexist within and around the tree, creating a microcosm of biodiversity against a bright red sky. The meticulous detailing of each element, from the texture of the tree bark to the vibrant plumage of the birds, suggests themes of interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of life. Morrison’s use of gouache enhances the piece’s vibrancy, inviting viewers to explore each branch, leaf, and creature with curiosity and delight.

Barbara Morrison's work captivates through its intricate narratives and vivid use of color, inviting viewers to step into fantastical worlds that feel both familiar and profoundly mysterious. Her artworks, rich with symbolism and storytelling, offer a unique window into the artist's imaginative universe, filled with wonder and introspection.

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