Diamonds as Tears

Diamonds as Tears is a unique work on canvas by British artist Barry Wilson. Painted with acrylic paint and beautifully finished with gold leaf.

Barry Wilson trained at the Camberwell School of Art. He was taught by influential artists such as Bruce Mclean, Cornelia Parker, Jock Mcfadden and Ian Mckeever. Before becoming a full time artist Barry worked in film and television. He painted scenery and fronting a changing rooms style TV programme called Room Raiders.

Wilson uses a unique combination of gold leaf and acrylic paint. This creates an effect of vintage photography and contemporary glamour. The delicate, fragile beauty of the gold leaf finish almost contradicts the brutal techniques he uses. For instance, industrial spray guns, scouring pads and water jets. By scrubbing back the layers of paint to reveal the gold leaf base, the artist gives structure and framework to the painting.

Barry describes his painting style for Diamonds as Tears and the rest of his collection:

My style emulates a faint image in an antique mirror or a creased and faded much loved photo. I believe the result is a vibrant and edgy captured moment; contemporary and beautiful.

Barry Wilson’s highly distinctive paintings have been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide with international acclaim, winning the celebrated Saatchi award in 2012.

Firstly, why not check out the Barry Wilson interview – Forty Nine Questions but Art Ain’t One. (ADD LINK!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Secondly, click here Barry Wilson (ADD LINK!!!!!!!!!!!!) for the full selection of this artist’s works via Runway Gallery.