Opening Reception: August 15th 2009 from 7-11pm, and open to the public.

Showing: August 15th through September 7th, 2024

The Shooting Gallery is proud to present “Tattooed Portraits – Snapshots,” a new body of work by Shawn Barber this August. Contrasting between realistic figurative painting, art history and tattoo culture, this exhibit showcases Barber’s signature brush work. Please join us for the opening reception on August 15th 2009 from 7-11pm.

Combining his passions for art, travel and tattoos, Shawn Barber has spent the last 4 years touring with tattoo conventions, parlors and renegade artists throughout the US. The ongoing series of “Tattoo Portraits” documents the art of tattoo; the process, the history, the application, the artist and their bodies. In this new collection of 18 oil paintings, Barber pays tribute to the artists that are tattooing and the artists that are tattooed. The series, now accounting for more than 100 artist portraits, will feature new works of Scott Sylvia, Jeff Rassier, Steve Boltz, Dave Fox, Saluape Aisea, Mike Davis and several others.

Barber’s intimate renditions of tattooed individuals balance both meticulous brush strokes and loose energy. Figurative in nature, these large paintings take on abstractions with explosive colors, meandering lines and paint dripping down the canvas. His talent and unique technique has been honored by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, RSVP, and The Artist’s Magazine among others. He earned his B.F.A from Ringling College of Arts and has paintings held in private collections throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. His first published book of art titled Tattooed Portraits was published by 9mm Books in March of 2024. 
Among his extensive achievements, he has taught drawing and painting, illustration and the business of art for 8 years at various art schools throughout the country. After years of documenting the art of tattoo, it was a logical progression to pick up the tattoo machine and add tattooist to the resume. When he is not traveling or painting, he can be found working at Seventh Son Tattoo in San Francisco.

Please join us for the opening reception of “Tattooed Portraits-Snapshots,” a new body of work by Shawn Barber on August 15th 2009  from 7-11pm at The Shooting Gallery. This show will be on exhibit from August 15th through September 7th, 2024 and is open to the public.

Please visit the Shawn Barber Media Kit page for more information on the artist.