Enter the Elephant, Barbara Sherman, 2021, mixed media, 24 x 28 in. / 60.96 x 71.12 cm.

Whimsy and Wonder in Mixed Media: The Work of Barbara Sherman

February 7, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Enter the Elephant, Barbara Sherman, 2021, mixed media, 24 x 28 in. / 60.96 x 71.12 cm.

Barbara Sherman's mixed media artworks are a captivating amalgamation of the whimsical and the realistic, blending elements of urban landscapes with fantastical creatures and settings.

Barbara Sherman is an artist who blends the real with the surreal in mixed media, creating whimsical scenes that juxtapose urban settings with natural elements.

Her work invites viewers into a world where the boundaries of reality are reimagined, and where the mundane intertwines with the magical.

Explore our curated selection of contemporary artists from around the globe.

Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation internationally. Apply your art.

14th & 8th, Barbara Sherman, 2022, mixed media, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.

In "14th & 8th," an elephant calmly strolls past a bank building in Greenwich Village, a surreal juxtaposition that evokes a sense of playfulness and curiosity. Sherman's intricate detailing and bold use of color in the architecture contrast with the natural form of the elephant, creating a striking scene that merges the urban with the wild. The artwork is a commentary on the unexpected encounters and whimsical scenarios that city life can present.

House of Green, Barbara Sherman, 2021, mixed media, 41 x 24 in. / 104.14 x 60.96 cm.

"House of Green" presents a townhouse set in the sea, a dreamlike vision where sea creatures and classical architecture coexist. The verdant tones and meticulous patterns showcase Sherman's ability to create a coherent universe within the dichotomy of land and water. This piece invites reflection on the fluidity of nature and human creation, blurring the lines between habitat and habitant.

Great Blue, Barbara Sherman, 2010, mixed media, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.

With "Great Blue," Sherman portrays a Great Blue Heron preening against a backdrop of an intaglio stage set, painted in varying shades of green. The heron's graceful form is accentuated by the geometric patterns and theatrical setting, infusing the piece with a sense of narrative and poise. The artwork is an ode to the elegance of wildlife and its capacity to captivate the human imagination.

Barbara Sherman's art is a delightful exploration of scenarios that challenge our perceptions of space and cohabitation. Works like "14th & 8th," "House of Green," and "Great Blue" not only provide visual pleasure but also inspire stories and dialogues about our world and the creatures we share it with. Her ability to blend different elements into a cohesive and engaging tableau marks her as a unique voice in the realm of mixed media art.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

House of Green Interior, Barbara Sherman, 2021, mixed media, 41 x 24 in. / 104.14 x 60.96 cm.