BIO

Lianne Barnes

b. 1962, Johannesburg, South Africa. Lives and works in Los Angeles.

Sculptor Lianne Barnes transforms resin, bronze and plaster into monuments to feminine identity. Each work symbolically manifests various aspects of womanhood. Her heroines are inspired by real women sourced from historical records and mythological narratives. Anthropomorphic seashells take on voluptuous forms with handcrafted surfaces and meticulous patinas, representing characters who have weathered life’s storms. They become embodiments of strength, beauty and pride. Other organic representations of fluid, abstract shapes convey the emotional attachment of a mother and child or the sensuality of lovers, whose bodies are locked in a forever embrace.

Barnes studied at the University of California, San Diego and Otis College of Art and Design. She holds a B.F.A. from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and is the founder of two apparel lines: Lianne Barnes Knitwear and VELVET. She is the recipient of the Los Angeles Rising Star Award. Barnes retired from the fashion world to re-immerse herself in her art practice. Inspired by her travels and nature's wide-open spaces, she transitioned from painting, landscaping and photography to sculpture and has focused on several bodies of work over the last few years. Her sculptures have been exhibited at both design and art institutions, including Parachute Market and Élan Vital. Barnes currently has sculptures featured in the garden at The Underground Museum in Los Angeles. Previous exhibitions includes Chrome Hearts in the Miami Design District during Miami Basel and a solo presentation at Wilding Cran Gallery in Los Angeles. 

PRESS MENTIONS

Hyperallergic   ||   KCET Artbound