Alvaro Barrington is a contemporary artist whose work is deeply influenced by his multicultural background and a unique understanding of art, shaped by his personal experiences and a profound appreciation for hip-hop.

Early Life and Influences

A Childhood Between Continents

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1983, Barrington’s early life was marked by movement and diverse cultural exposure. His father, who had to bribe a nurse to witness his birth, highlights the personal stories that shaped Barrington’s understanding of life’s significant moments. He moved to Grenada to live with his grandmother, an experience he cherishes: “I had a really great childhood in the Caribbean. I really got a chance to be a kid even though I was a very bad kid”. Later, he moved to New York to join his mother. These experiences of living in different places have profoundly influenced his perspective as a contemporary artist.

The Making of an Artist

Barrington’s journey to becoming an artist was not linear. Despite always being a maker, he worked various jobs before fully embracing his artistic path. A trip to the Orinoco River in Venezuela, where he connected with young artists, was pivotal. He reflected, “If you are an asshole no matter where you go, you’ll only meet assholes, you know… If you’re XYZ. you generally tend to attract over time, you will generally attract that energy”. This realization led him to pursue art more seriously: “I thought there was something about this energy is like what is it that I’m, these are the people I’m meeting”.

Artistic Development and Philosophy

Confronting the Academic World

Barrington’s pursuit of art led him back to New York, where he transferred to Hunter College. He initially struggled with the academic discourse, feeling disconnected from the philosophical and political references prevalent in art discussions. This prompted him to delve into philosophy, political science, and global history to bridge the gap between his making and the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary art.

Defining Art and Influences

Barrington reflects on his early encounters with art, recalling his visits to museums and his fascination with works like Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and Matisse’s “The Moroccans”. He saw in these works a “severe acknowledgment of other culture’s geniuses” and a complex interplay of cultural exchange and historical context. These reflections highlight Barrington’s interest in deconstructing and understanding the layers of meaning in contemporary art.

Hip-Hop as a Guiding Principle

Hip-hop’s influence on Barrington’s art is profound. He equates the impact of music to visual art, stating, “I knew I needed to have that be the bar on how I measured what was artistically interesting”. Key elements he draws from hip-hop include the importance of a unique voice, the art of sampling and referencing, and the ability to convey complex ideas with depth and accessibility. He aims to create art that is uniquely his own, much like his hip-hop idols: “Only Biggie could have made Ready to Die. And those were my masters”.

“Only Biggie could have made Ready to Die. And those were my masters”.

Contemporary Art in a Changing World

The Impact of Technology on Art

Barrington discusses the transformative impact of technology on contemporary culture and art. He notes that younger generations, growing up with technology like iPads, have fundamentally different brain wiring. This technological immersion influences how art is created, consumed, and understood. He uses the example of music, where albums are now often reduced to 15-second TikTok snippets, changing the way people engage with artists and their work.

“If you’re two years old, three years old today, and you have an iPad in your hand, your brain is being wired in a way that’s so dramatically different”.

Challenges to Truth and Understanding

Barrington addresses the growing sense of disconnect and misinformation in contemporary society. He observes that traditional institutions of truth are being challenged, and people are seeking alternative spaces for understanding and community.

He also critiques the limitations of binary thinking, such as the “capitalism versus communism” debate, arguing for the importance of diverse perspectives and the dangers of forced conformity.

“I think there’s the general feeling that somehow the understanding of people’s lives somehow is being missed”.

Art, Entitlement, and Gratitude

Barrington shares his views on the role of art in society, emphasizing that while essential, it is also fundamentally optional. He critiques a sense of entitlement among some artists, advocating for gratitude for the opportunity to create and share their work. He also expresses his appreciation for the support of those who engage with his art.

Barrington believes that true artistic greatness comes from being authentic and honest. He values art that evokes strong emotions and provides a sense of purpose, acknowledging the vulnerability and instability that come with the artistic journey.

“Art is an essential for life, we all need it. But it is extremely optional”.