WAYNE BARKER, ARTIST’S MONOGRAPH

Much of Barker's works reflects the complexity and
diverse values of many cultures in one country. It is this
complexity, the multi dimension of different worlds with
different voices which he manages to sew into his works.
The creative space he has forged appears to have been
germinated in his challenging and questioning of
established structures from an early age. The journey does
not make for easy living but also does not suffer from the
taboo of talking about "the other." Nor is his work
regurgitated iconology.
During the South Africa of the 1980s, the cultural boycott
had some positive effects on the creative output of many
artists in the country. As the groundswell of social and
political resistance increased, so too arose a questioning
of rigid cultural authority and fearsome political repression.
Out of this crucible, Barker's career began. Inevitably this
cultural isolation could not sustain itself and the need for
artists to experience and exhibit abroad has been enriching
for both them and for this country's art. To become part
of the world there are certain systems which the art world
requires. I refer to the quality of publications and the
proliferation of the written word which automatically
internationalises the art. South Africa has, in my opinion,
several artists of unquestionable merit who have the ability
to take their place on the international exhibition arena.
At present there is a shrinking support for all the arts which
is a matter of grave concern and in the end it will be left
to the ingenuity of the individual to survive both in this
country and abroad.
I have willingly contributed to this publication because
I believe this artist has a proven track record which warrants
the kind of exposure that he deserves. South Africa has
never been a boring country and the unique and often
traumatised dynamism which acts as a catalyst to unleash
the creative energy of certain makers is missing in secure
environments. So much of first world art has had the visual
and conceptual corners sanded off it. Although some of
Barker's works could well do with editing, his energy and
iconoclasm has produced art which at best is raw, maverick,
beautiful, tragic and humorous. The all South African boy
he is not, a good artist he undoubtedly is.
Alan Crump
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