christopher barbour

opening reception - christopher barbour @ stephen cohen gallery, saturday, july 31 from 4-7p

2010-07-31T03:05:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

I hope you are having a great summer so far and this finds you all well. While it has been some time since you have heard from me, I have some exciting news to share.

I am having a summer show at the Stephen Cohen Gallery here in Los Angeles and the opening is on Saturday, July, 31 from 4-7p. I would love it if you were able to stop by to see the work and say hello. I am showing a brand new installation piece called unraveling the tapestry as well as some selections from previous bodies of work. I hope you will be able to attend and I look forward to seeing you all there. All the important information is below if you have any questions please contact myself or the gallery. The show runs through August 28, 2010.

All my best,

Chris

opening reception, Saturday, July 31, 4-7p

Stephen Cohen Gallery

7358 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.stephencohengallery.com

323.937.5525

2009-07-22T02:29:00.000-07:00

no.31

from the series, while everyone else i know sleeps (working title)

2009-07-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

rocking chair, bedroom

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-07-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.27

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-07-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

no.17

from the series, i'll miss you the way you miss the sea

2009-07-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

shelf, bathroom

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-07-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

the known world, no.1

from the series, the known world

2009-07-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

nightswimming no.105

from the series, nightswimming

2009-07-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

eurhythmy no.15

from the series, eurhythmy

2009-07-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

no.107

from the series, a place of view (working title)

2009-07-09T01:15:00.000-07:00

stanstedt 3

2009-07-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

eurhythmy no.1

from the series, eurhythmy

2009-07-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

no.11

from the series, i'll miss you the way you miss the sea

2009-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.21

from the series, liminal echoes

struggling with who to be...

2009-07-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

A friend directed me to this blog post and I loved this cartoon. Says it all...

contemplating the stars

2009-07-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

I read this New York Times article about a really cool film, Journey to the Stars, playing at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York starting on July 4th. I wish I could get a chance to see it. Alas... but if you live in the New York area you should check it out. Sounds really cool. I mean just think about this...

"Each of our bodies contains a teaspoonful of elements, like gold, oxygen, iron, carbon and so forth, from the first stars in the universe 13 billion years ago."

Now whether you believe in the Big Bang or not... that is pretty damn cool to contemplate!

Enjoy the Fourth!

2009-07-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

una momento lontana

2009-07-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

department of water and power, pacific palisades, ca

from the series, dans la nuit (working title)

2009-07-01T02:03:00.000-07:00

stanstedt 5

2009-06-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

eurhythmy no.9

from the series, eurhythmy

2009-06-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

closet, bedroom

from the series, 519 central ave

fanfarlo - finish line

2009-06-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

I discovered Fanfarlo a few weeks ago and then received an email stating you could buy their new album, Reservoir, from their website for $1. That's a great deal for some really good music. Check it out, and be sure to make the purchase this week. The offer is through July 4.

Here is an acoustic video performance for Finish Line and some other album tracks. Enjoy!

2009-06-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

no.105

from the series, a place of view (working title)

2009-06-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

bedroom (handmade pillows)

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-06-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

no.101

from the series, a place of view (working title)

2009-06-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

the known world, no.3

from the series, the known world

2009-06-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.17

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-06-16T02:30:00.000-07:00

and we'll dance

2009-06-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

are we having the time of our life

from the series, unraveling the tapestry

2009-06-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

the possibility of together

2009-06-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

no.1

from the series, i'll miss you the way you miss the sea (working title)

2009-06-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

bedroom

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-06-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.45

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-06-08T01:02:00.000-07:00

looking homeward

from the series, unraveling the tapestry

beauty

2009-06-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.

- Oscar Wilde

internet interruption

2009-06-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

So I had a slight internet interruption yesterday. The good thing is it gave me time to scan in some work i've been wanting to. I figured since I missed a day of posting I would give you three images today.

These images are from the very first body of work I ever put together. They got me my first group show and into my first gallery. This series, Chapter, Verse, was the precursor to my nightswimming series. My bodies of work usually evolve from the one I worked on previously or from another I am working on at the same time. When I made this work, it was a dark time in my life, but it brought me to the place I am now so I am appreciative of my journey.

Chapter 31, Verse 9:23

Chapter 31, Verse 11:3

Chapter 31, Verse 12:31

2009-06-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

the quiet light within

2009-06-02T00:27:00.000-07:00

eurhythmy no.11

from the series, eurhythmy

2009-06-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

no.3

from the series, i'll miss you the way you miss the sea (working title)

jeff buckley

2009-05-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Friday, May 29, was the twelve year anniversary of the extremely premature passing of Jeff Buckley. He was so young and talented. Such a sad moment for the world to lose this amazing talent. I can still remember when i discovered his debut album, Grace. I remember thinking then it was one of the greatest albums I had ever heard and today this album still resonates for me. If you do not own it, get a copy as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed. Actually, get all of his albums. Grace though is definitely one of the ten albums I would take if I was going to a desert island or could only have ten albums for the rest of my life. Yes, it is that good!

Below I have included his version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah from this album. This is probably his most well known song, but there are many many more worth exploring. The stark video shows the heart-wrenching beauty of his delivery and the depth of another musical talent lost way too soon.

Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley

2009-05-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

as we end, we begin

2009-05-28T01:08:00.000-07:00

stanstedt 2

2009-05-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.7

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-05-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

no.11, los angeles

from the series, and though all these things will change

2009-05-25T01:41:00.000-07:00

a gathering

2009-05-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

their places, den

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-05-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.47

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-05-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

01, 26.12.05, boxing day, london

from the series, consume

2009-05-19T00:49:00.000-07:00

nightswimming no.127

from the series, nightswimming

2009-05-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

no.9, london

from the series, and though all these things will change

doves, live at the wiltern

2009-05-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

I saw Doves last night at the Wiltern and they were GREAT! Sounded incredible and honestly rocked out pretty hard for such an atmospheric band.

This morning there were already videos on Youtube. Thought I'd pass along some of the goodness. These were two of my favorite songs they did. 10:03 is a much more intricate song live than I imagined. Enjoy.

2009-05-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

sunbathers 1, vernazza, italia

2009-05-14T00:40:00.000-07:00

doge's palace, venezia, italia

2009-05-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

on the road to siena, italia

2009-05-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

walking away, arezzo, italia

2009-05-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

piazza, siena, italia

jon hopkins - "light through the veins"

2009-05-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this video I was a bit mesmerized. It isn't overly flashy and to some may be boring, however for me the simplistic marriage of the art, the colors and the music is perfect. I love that the form changes from what looks to be animated folding laundry to sea animals especially an octopus and a whale. Plus, I really like the song. Too bad the video is not for the nine minute version, which is available on iTunes as a free discovery download this week, or you can download it here as well. Get it while you can.

Jon Hopkins, who started playing the piano at age five and by twelve was studying at London's Royal College of Music, has worked with many artists including Brian Eno, King Creosote and if you are a Coldplay fan, you might recognize this song. He was the co-producer on their latest release and part of this song was used as the intro to Life in Technicolor.

2009-05-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

no.3, london

from the series, and though all these things will change

2009-05-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

the visitor

2009-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

as i await the unknown

from the series, unraveling the tapestry

2009-05-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.55

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-05-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

I recently developed some film from late last year and after spending some time with it, I am placing images into series. Here is a new image from my liminal echoes series. Look for another one tomorrow.

liminal echoes no.51

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-05-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

the inevitability of loneliness

2009-04-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.33

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-04-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

a peace within

2009-04-28T01:04:00.000-07:00

a path converging

2009-04-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

stanstedt 8

sigur ros - "glósóli"

2009-04-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

I love Sigur Ros. They are easily one of my favorite, if not, the favorite band in my life. The first time I saw them live I was mesmerized. It was a religious experience for me. They have many great videos, but this one seemed very relevant in my life today so I thought I would share it with you. I hope you enjoy.

Sigur Rós - Glósóli from sigur-ros.co.uk on Vimeo.

2009-04-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

evening light

from the series, polaroids

crystal doorknob

from the series, polaroids - the red series

more with less @ gallery 825

2009-04-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

Three pieces from my liminal echoes series have been juried into a show opening this Saturday, April 25. Its the Los Angeles debut for these pieces so if you are in town, I hope you can stop by. Here's the pertinent information for the show:

More with Less

opening reception: Saturday, April 25, 6-9pm

Gallery 825

825 La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310.652.8272
www.laaa.org

I'll be there the opening night around 7pm. Hope to see you there. The show runs from April 25 through May 29, 2009.

2009-04-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

waiting in beige

from the series, polaroids

2009-04-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

stop

from the series, polaroids

2009-04-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

untitled, dutch light

from the series, polaroids

polaroid week

2009-04-20T00:38:00.000-07:00

Like most all artists and photographers, I love Polaroid. I acquired my first one from a film I worked on in 2000. A Captiva SLR. The 4 x 5 type image on this small polaroid rectangle was just too much. I was in heaven. Smitten. I was really just getting started with my photography journey then, and little did I know how it would definitely influence my future work so much. It will return... we must believe.

Recently, I went back through some of these images, and I've decided I'm going to finally share some here this week.

driving sunset, hollywood

from the series, polaroids

ny times article - reinventing american cities

2009-04-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

So it's a few weeks old, but I just read this very intriguing article in the New York Times about reinventing American cities. There are some great insights in the article and I for one hope we can find a way to implement some of them, especially here in Los Angeles, a city with no true center, less soul and basically separate communities strung along large slabs of concrete. Don't get me wrong, I am all for identity and community. Its a monumental task in some ways to make broad change, but it is sorely needed. It is time we realize we must live together, not separate.

For my two cents, bring on the high speed rail. And more greenspace!

2009-04-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

no.5

from the series, i'll miss you the way you miss the sea (working title)

2009-04-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.41

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.1

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-04-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

nightswimming no.131

from the series, nightswimming

2009-04-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

no.2, london

from the series, while everyone else i know sleeps (working title)

doves - "kingdom of rust"

2009-04-11T02:13:00.000-07:00

Doves, another excellent Mancunian band, released their fourth album this week, Kingdom of Rust, and I haven't been able to stop listening to it.

I discovered Doves at the same time I discovered Elbow. Fitting since the lads seem to be great pals! I even got an email from Elbow promoting the album, and saying they believed it to be a bloody masterpiece. I might have to agree so far. Doves makes albums you need to listen to a few times and then I am sure it will get under your skin just as it has mine. I literally woke up this morning singing "Kingdom of Rust" in my head. The driving backbeat and effortless hook just pull you in. All of their albums are good. I loved The Last Broadcast, but this may be the best yet.

Another treat, they are playing live in Los Angeles at the Wiltern on May 16. I saw them a few years back at the Mayan. It was a great show, Doves and My Morning Jacket. Interesting combo, and both were great live.

Enjoy the video and pick up the album. You will not regret it. Cheers!

2009-04-10T01:50:00.000-07:00

bathroom

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-04-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

ascension, firenze, italia

2009-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the Pacific Design Center Tuesday night for some openings as part of MOPLA, the Month of Photography in Los Angeles, which is happening the entire month of April. There was some nice work. The standout for me was definitely John Delaney's Golden Eagle Hunters of Mongolia. Absolutely beautiful images and prints. Also worth seeing is Ghost Notes: A Photographic Mixtake by B+. The shows are up until April 30. Tough hours, Mon-Thurs 12-4p, but John Delaney's work is definitely worth it.

Visiting the PDC, made me think of a body of work I did a few years ago that I honestly hadn't thought about in a while.

#11

from the series, luminescence

2009-04-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

the known world, no.9

from the series, the known world

published in light leaks magazine issue 12: evidence

2009-04-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

will you follow me

from the series, unraveling the tapestry

enlighten up

2009-04-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me personally know I am a yogi. I have a dedicated practice and I sing yoga's praises every day to someone. It has changed my life and I am always happiest, conscious and connected after a class or practicing at home. I'm telling you this because I just discovered a film about the recent yoga explosion and the search for enlightenment that many attempt. The trailer looks pretty good. If you get a chance check it out. You can find out more at the film's website.

The film opens in the Los Angeles area April 17 at the following locations:

Santa Monica - Laemmle's Monica 4-Plex

Pasadena - Pasadena Playhouse 7

Irvine - Edward's Westpark 8

2009-04-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

nightswimming no.61

from the series, nightswimming

2009-04-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

I love the graphic nature and play of this sign. Found in the Hoxton section of London. Great bookshop as well if you happen to be close by. Hopefully, its still open.

bookshop, london

2009-04-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

cataclysm

2009-03-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

settee, living room

from the series, 519 central ave

2009-03-30T00:45:00.000-07:00

and i held the sky for you

from the series, unraveling the tapestry

elbow - "one day like this"

2009-03-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bands in the world is Elbow. These lads from Manchester, England make what i like to call literary music. Every song tells a story and is soaked through with meaning. Many of their songs hold influence in my work and my life. They were (finally) awarded the Nationwide Mercury Prize in 2008 for the best album in England, The Seldom Seen Kid. It has been on constant play in my life since it came out last April. I encourage you to pick up a copy and actually get the entire back catalog. You will not be let down. I have been following them since they released their first album, Asleep in the Back, in 2001 and they just keep getting better. And live... let's just say, it is PERFECT! See them for sure if they come to your town. Recently, they performed the entire latest album live on the BBC. You can see the individual songs on youtube.

I chose "One Day Like This" because it is a beautiful day here in Los Angeles. The video was shot here in my fair city. I think the story goes the original video idea was having some scheduling issues so they went out and found a moment that was as poignant as the song. A song about the day after discovering love. The joy that ensues. That feeling of freedom.

Enjoy!

2009-03-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

no.11, point reyes, california

from the series, while everyone else i know sleeps (working title)

2009-03-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

eurhythmy no.3

from the series, eurhythmy

2009-03-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

no.1, london

from the series, while everyone else i know sleeps (working title)

2009-03-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.35

from the series, liminal echoes

2009-03-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

liminal echoes no.5

from the series, liminal echoes

el guincho - "palmitas park"

2009-03-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a great song to get you in the mood for spring. El Guincho, aka Pablo Díaz-Reixa, hails from Barcelona-via-Canary Islands and is a one-man band. You should check out his entirely addictive self-released album, Alegranza.

Find yourself some sun, maybe make a nice tropical drink and dance away.

2009-03-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

stanstedt 7