Barry John MBE

A former soldier with over 20 years service in the British military, Barry John was awarded an MBE In the 2010 New Years Honours List.  Specialising in the abstract, his work expresses stories, memories, demons, and the harsh and sometimes brutal truth and the beauty of a conflicted world.

In 2013 he organised the Neyland Armistice Project, a collaborative art project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First world war.

His themes are often be challenging with form, shapes, colour and execution representing a brave depth to his work. This has led some to compare his style to that of Jean-Michel Basquiat, painting in a similar neo-expressionist style which stemmed from traditional graffiti and street art.

Barry now has works in numerous museums and galleries and his work can be found many private collections; notably actor Rhys Ifans, world-title boxer Gavin Rees and Chef Raymond Blanc amongst others.

In 2014 Barry set up the VC Gallery which focuses on working with veterans, older people, children and anyone in the local community who feels they need time out to express themselves through art and creativity. As Barry says, “its all about socialising, community and art”.