statement
Through the lens of perceived space I observe dialogue, behavioral patterns, femininity, memory recall, and relationships translating these concepts into an immersive experience of beauty and illusion.
I am drawn to patterns and phenomena in the known world as a way of feeling a connection with the Universe (a notion of the Universe rooted in scientific knowledge, especially astrophysics). This, along with my ongoing inquiry into the process of creating units as a means of exploring the perception of space and pattern, has led me to my interest in scale. I am fascinated by fractal patterns originating from a molecular scale and repeating into the cosmic scale, as well as similar fractal-like patterns such as unit cells that make up crystals that, in theory and in the right conditions, could build upon one another forever. Ultimately, my interest in patterns has deepened my love of science, and through art I aim to explore the unity of the Universe through the impossibly small, the impossible large, and the enigmatic space (and time) in between.
General perception of space is important to my practice, but equally important is my occupation of space in the physical, mental, and emotional realms. My perception of myself as a woman is in constant conflict and convoluted by my understanding of society’s expectations for how I should look and behave, an understanding fueled by the male gaze. Much of my work speaks to this perceived space I hold in society, and all of its implications. It is a tool for me to see my anger in a physical form as a means to gain self-understanding, as well as to add to a much larger global conversation among many others with similar experiences.
BIO
Amber Barney-Nivón, was born into a Mormon family in Fairfield, CA. At age 12 her family moved to a small town in Utah where she attended junior high and high school. Some difficult years in her teens led Barney-Nivón to question religious authority and at age 17 decided to leave the Mormon religion. This decision continues to shape her adult life as she grapples with a host of inquiries into the world outside of religion. Seeking new perspective, Barney-Nivón moved to Seattle in 2009 and later pursued a BFA at the University of Washington, graduating in 2016. College was the catalyst for introspection into her identity as a woman within a patriarchal context, navigating life in the pursuit of healing from trauma, and big unknowns like her place in space and time. She now has a visual language for expressing her journey.
CONTACT // AMBER.M.BARNEY@GMAIL.COM
I am a mixed media visual artist based in Seattle, WA.
CV
EDUCATION
BFA, University of Washington, Seattle WA 2016
+ Major, 3D4M (contemporary sculpture)
+ Minor, DXARTS (Digital and Experimental Arts)
EXHIBITIONS
One and the Same, solo exhibition, Studio-e pop-up, Seattle WA, 2018
Art n Math, group exhibition, Schack Art Center, Everett WA, 2018
Art n Math, group exhibition, CoCA (Center on Contemporary Art), Seattle WA, 2018
Woolgathers, group exhibition, Gage Academy of Art, Seattle WA, 2017
Lusio, group exhibition, Volunteer Park, Seattle WA, 2017
Perceived Terrain, collaborative exhibition, Coral Gallery at Equinox Studios, Seattle WA, 2017
Elemental Sculpture, group exhibition, Confluence Gallery, Twisp WA, 2017
Performance of Place, group exhibition, Shoreline City Hall, Shoreline WA, 2017
Make America Create Again, group exhibition, CoCA (Center on Contemporary Art), Seattle WA, 2017
One and the Same Over Time, solo exhibition, Make.Shift Gallery, Bellingham, WA 2017
Eclectic and Kinetic, group exhibition, Sculpture Northwest, Bellingham, WA, 2016
The Space Between Stars is Not Empty, solo exhibition, Ceramic & Metal Arts Gallery, Seattle WA, 2016
3d4m Seniors, group exhibition, Jacob Lawrence Gallery, Seattle, WA, 2016
Phenomenal Transparency III, solo exhibition, Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle, WA, 2015
Strange Coupling, group exhibition, OK Gallery, Seattle, WA, 2015
Undergrad Juried Show, group exhibition, Ceramic and Metal Arts South Gallery, Seattle, WA, 2015
Session 5, group exhibition, Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA, 2014
As I Recall, group exhibition, DXARTS Fab Lab, Seattle, WA, 2014
COLLECTIONS
Private Collection of the University of Washington Botanical Gardens, Seattle WA
CURATORIAL EXPERIENCE
Co-director and co-curator of Strange Coupling 2016
+ University of Washington School of Art event that, in 2016, was held at King Street Station and included a 3-day exhibition run. 2015-2016