Barrie Cook

Barrie Cook solidified his reputation as one of the country's leading abstract painters, with his paintings occupying a distinctive position within the last forty years of British art. His large-scale and mesmerisingly dark 'Continuum' series from the 1960s and 70s marked his almost unbroken allegiance to spray painting and his rise as a pivotal figure in abstract art. His dedication and unprecedented mastery of spray gun painting firmly established this technique as a recognised and versatile medium in the context of fine art. Critics frequently placed his influential notability alongside the likes of Rothko, Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Bridget Riley. Cook’s long and distinguished career includes numerous accolades amidst recognition for inclusion in prestigious institutions such as the Tate, the Arts Council of Great Britain, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. As an innovative artist, Cook's significance extends beyond his compositional creativity and dedication to evolving his work and practice; it also lies in his ceaseless encouragement and promotion of younger painters through teaching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1992, Cook and his wife Mary moved to Cornwall, encouraged by their close friend Terry Frost, settling on the Lizard Peninsula. As a child, Cook spent many of his summer holidays in Cornwall, where the high cliffs and shimmering seas captivated him and influenced his early paintings. Cook’s palette quickly shifted from sombre industrial hues to a newfound vibrancy. In 1998 his first one-man show in Cornwall was held at Newlyn Art Gallery where thirteen of his works were exhibited and later a further three works were shown at the Tate, St Ives, he described it as a time of celebration, "having found my spiritual home".