Barry (Mandot) Messer

Barry (Mandot) Messer

Surrealist

My art is a synthesis of the modern and the primitive
worlds. I seek to represent and juxtapose these worlds by
using imagery and symbols from many times, places, and
cultures. I also attempt to make spiritual as well as earthly
connections within the context of the visual themes I have in
mind. My artistic roots lie in Surrealism and I tend to think
in Surrealistic terms. Thus, my paintings may more aptly be
thought of as “Dreamscapes”, since Surrealism deals with
the subconscious and dream like states of mind.
The technique I normally employ is a dot technique. I
started using “the dots” after viewing a show of Australian
Aboriginal Art at the Burke Museum on the campus of the
University of Washington in 1977. I was impressed by how
the dots animated the painting surface, giving the paintings a
visual effect that modulation does not.

I am excited by the world of ideas merged with color,
texture, and design. I generally paint subjects that interest
me. My desire is to have my audience propelled to other
realms of thought and possibilities. In doing this I try to
elicit a response from the viewer and compel them to reflect
upon what they are seeing.

I’ve been a professional artist for over 30 years. My work
hangs in many private collections and homes throughout the
United States.