

Vivia Barron
Portfolio
Joy. Representation. Art
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My Collections
As a Black impressionist folk artist with Caribbean heritage, my work centers around themes of joy, representation, and the beauty of nature, particularly water. My art reflects the rich cultural traditions and vibrant colors of the Caribbean, while also paying homage to the rich history of Black folk art.
Water is a recurring motif in my work, representing both its power and its serenity. I use water as a metaphor for the emotional experiences of Black people, ranging from the tumultuous waves of oppression and struggle, to the stillness and peace of self-discovery and liberation.
Through my art, I aim to celebrate the diversity of Black experiences, and to create a space where Black joy and beauty can be fully expressed and celebrated. I believe that representation is crucial for marginalized communities. For far too long, black people have been underrepresented and misrepresented in art, particularly in the traditional canon of Western art history. Through my work, I aim to challenge these conventions. My pieces are a rewriting of the narrative to include Black people in the story in a way that doesn’t treat them as “othered” or “different,” but as an inextricable, necessary part of the experience of being alive, of being a member of a community. My paintings therefore are joyful and joy-filled-- a colorful, ecstatic representation of what it means to be human.
My artistic process is deeply intuitive and improvisational, allowing me to connect with the materials and the stories they tell. I work primarily with acrylic paints using bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to capture the essence of my subjects.
My art is an expression of my personal journey, as well as a reflection of the beauty and complexity of the Black experience. I hope that my work can inspire others to find joy in their own lives, and to celebrate the diverse richness of our collective human experience.