Introducing: SOLOMON ROCK by Karin Barr
There’s a unique kind of storytelling that comes not from words, but from textures, colour, and form. This a language that artist Karin Barr knows fluently. In her latest body of work, Karin invites us into a journey that began long before the studio, a journey across East Africa, by bike, on foot, and through deep personal connection. Below, Karin shares her experiences in her own words from the moment Africa got under her skin to the inspiration behind each new sculptural piece.
Visiting East Africa had been a dream of mine since my teenage years. Last year, I finally had the opportunity to make it a reality. My husband and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure, cycling and camping with a small group of like-minded individuals. Over the course of 500 kilometers, we journeyed from Nairobi, Kenya, to the coastal town of Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
The African soil, the wildlife, the vibrant smells and sounds, the breathtaking landscapes, and, above all, the warmth of the African people left a profound impression on me. It ignited a deep urge to create a new series of works inspired by my experience.
There’s a saying that “Africa gets under your skin, touches your soul, and once you’ve seen its delights, you’ll never be the same again.” This journey has certainly left its mark on me, and I’m excited to share these reflections through my newly created works.
The inspiration for this work came while camping on Maasai land in Kenya during a bicycle tour in 2024. We were driving for hours over dry flat bare land as suddenly a small rock formation arose out of the ground. This place ended up being our campsite for the night. We climbed the rock to watch the sun-set on the top and observed tribe people bringing their livestock in for the night. On the next morning we were able to visit a traditional East African ‘boma’.
From a remarkable young Maasai woman, we learnt about their way of living as a Maasai and how they care for their animals. The bare land stands in such a contrast to the Maasai shuka’s (blankets). They dress with such pride in colourful patterned blankets. The experience of the African breathtaking landscape and above all, the warmth of the colourful dressed African people ignited a deep urge to create this work. These individuals works are made by using cast and blown glass techniques.
