Barnaby Barford, collaborative word-art

Hull College Institute of Art, Ferens Art Gallery

Long-time supporter and friend of the National Saturday Club, Barnaby Barford visited the Ferens Art Gallery and Hull College Art&Design Club to deliver a Masterclass in collaborative word-art with the theme ‘truth and lies’.

Barnaby gave a presentation about his current practice and explained some of the thought processes that he goes through whilst realising a piece of artwork. Then, he gathered the Club members around a large table where they completed several activities, using charcoal and pencil to write the words ‘truth and lies’ in different forms.

After this, the Club members worked together to create one large piece of art on four rolls of paper measuring 8 meters long! This activity was collaborative, messy and productive, and challenged the young people to think about different modes of expression and the power of their words.