
Barbara Walker
My work explores and focuses upon notions of masculinity, race, belonging and identity. The themes investigate a range of social issues facing the people within the community in which I live, and as such, this is very much a personal investigation that will utilise a narrative framework that will translate time, space and the multiple cultural histories of our urban spaces.
Louder than Words brings together compelling paintings and drawings which consider how we perceive people solely on their appearance. The drawings specifically explore the motives behind, and the impact of, police 'stop and search', highlighting and questioning the consequences and repercussions for individuals, including my son, who are often judged on the way they look. The paintings broaden out these questions and seek to explore the intriguing world of clothing, style and fashion and how they impact on many young men today. These works specifically investigate expressions of individuality, conformity and stereotyping. How far are fashion and consumerism responsible and what role does the media play in forming public opinion? Louder than Words is, in part, autobiographical but the work represents the deeper personal, social and political aspects of society today.
