Frequently, the shapes or symbols of Barry Sparkman’s paintings are whimsical and seem to become animated. He explains, “Drawing and painting are integrated. The depicted space may range from flat and decorative to compositions that possess landscape qualities. Instead of attempting to convey any narrative content in my work, I manipulate the formal elements of color, shape, line, and texture in an attempt to evoke an emotional response or set a mood. My intention is to impact the viewer’s senses in such a way as to by-pass their impulse to look for literal interpretations.”

Originally from McMinnville, TN, Barry has lived in Miami for the past ten years. He earned a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Currently, he is the Gallery Manager at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. He also has a long exhibition history at venues including Zimmerman-Saturn and Robinson Willis Galleries in Nashville, Trinity Gallery in Atlanta, Provincetown Museum, Memphis Center for Contemporary Art, Erie Museum of Art, Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art, San Bernardino County Museum, and the New Orleans Contemporary Art Center. His works are part of collections such as the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, American Express Group in Atlanta, Sunshine Advertising in Atlanta, Bank of Nashville, Image Design in Atlanta, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council, and the Art Museum at Florida International University.

Shown Right: Precipice, acrylic on canvas, 72” x 72”

Arts at the Airport receives funding for the visual arts from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). Music performances are sponsored by MNAA, Delaware North Companies, Inc. and The Paradies Shops. The Flying Solo Exhibition Series is funded in part under an agreement with the TAC and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about Arts at the Airport, please call (615)275-1614 or visit www.artsattheairport.com.