A narrative transformation of sorts takes place. Using these examples, he noted how a subject unfolds as it is invented in his paintings. In his remarks at the opening Barnes mentioned several influential books including: “The Golden Bough” by James George Frazer, “The White Goddess” by Robert Graves, and “Ulysses” by James Joyce. Larry and Evelyn Aronson, Chicago, Illinoisĭuring the fall of 2015 the Indiana University Art Museum held a retrospective of Robert Barnes’ work, “Grand Illusions: Late Works 1985-2015.” This was such a powerful show, and it was the second such exhibition of his work that I have seen in person. “dishes crank on my nerves” Robert Barnes Smith masquerading as Dylan, and Barnes often using the analogy of the slight of hand embodied in the old time ‘table cloth’ trick! Magicians and tricksters they are, in both words and images. Burrows, Jean Genet, Andre Breton, Arthur Rimbaud, and Bob Dylan. For Barnes these include: James Joyce, Marcel Duchamp, Arthur Craven, Jeremy Bentham, and Tristan Tzara.

They both, Patti Smith and Robert Barnes, have their idols and inspirations, an assortment of creative and eccentric characters.

Whether in a poem by Smith or a painting by Barnes, we definitely witness a series of visual ambiguities and associative shifts taking place.įor the valley of combat.” Judy Linn There are several statements made by Smith that remind me of another artist’s work, the contemporary painter Robert Barnes. The poems of Patti Smith are simultaneously cutting and fanciful, getting at a certain truth even as they weave myths, fantasies and contemporary literature together.

Smith and barnes chicago cabinet grand