Biography
Jon Barraclough is a maker of drawings, photographer, film-maker, teacher and researcher. Born 1957 in Bradford, Yorkshire UK, currently resident in Liverpool and North Yorkshire. He works primarily in drawing and drawing devices, but also works with photography, performance, film and sound in relation to his drawing practice. He is former Director of The Liverpool School of Art (Liverpool John Moores University), a founder and co-publisher of DRAWING PAPER UK and co-curator of the international exhibition series DRAWING(PAPER)SHOW. He has worked in Newcastle, London, New York, Manchester and Liverpool.
Artist Statement
My recent work explores the stories and romances embedded in ourselves and the elements around us; lithic and non-lithic objects, the sky above, growing and dying forms, events and occurrences, moments, sounds and situations. I aim to bring these subjects and narratives together in a way that might provide insights into a universal interconnectedness and also to try and make some sense of our place in the scheme of things. I invite viewers to experience this work visually, bodily, emotionally - and perhaps spiritually.
Drawing is for me an almost daily habit. If I was a writer I’d keep a journal of words. I have broadly developed two kinds of drawing: gathering up and letting go - and both approaches can enjoy equal status. Drawing enables me to document and record but also to imagine and invent.
I use a mix of realism, surrealism and abstraction - often allowing the intuitive and the accidental to guide my process. This approach helps to foster a sense of magic, where gravity-defying forms and unexpected images emerge when they are least expected. There is a playful element of illusion, mystery and magic in how I draw that I hope can be witnessed in the work.
I use dry (graphite, pigment, pastel, soil and pigment) and wet (watercolour, ink, blending oils) media, trying to exploit their interactions and contradictions. I work on paper although any drawing surface is potentially useful to work on - especially if it’s had another purpose. I’m also seduced by smooth, heavyweight watercolour papers that can be overworked.
I also have a collaborative approach and have fashioned lo-fi drawing devices that encourage participatory image making and shared experimentation - often with the presence of music or sound to act as a creative flux. I enjoy working with producers, musicians and composers as partners in image creation in live, performative settings. These focus more on process than outcome - the final work often obliterated or spoiled.
C.V. - Selected Exhibitions/Events
2023
SHUFFLE (Group Show curated by Josie Jenkins and Max Mallender) Liverpool UK
The DRAWING(PAPER)SHOW at The Bridewell Studios and Gallery, Liverpool UK. Group Show curated by Jon Barraclough, Colette Lilley and Sara-Jane Richards
2022
DRAWING SESSION at SQUASH - community drawing event with devices Liverpool UK
FILM ‘Sound me closely’ with live music/electronics by Sohrab Uduman, Sheffield UK
SPRING ON WINDSOR STREET community exhibition curation with Clare Owen and Tabitha Moses Liverpool UK
DRAWING EXHIBITION ‘Every Building on Windsor Street’ Liverpool UK
THE DRAWING SHOW, group show curated by Colette Lilley, Bridewell Gallery, Liverpool UK
2019
REPOPULATIONS - Group show curated by Daniela Holban, Brooklyn, New York City USA
THE DRAWING SHOW, group show curated by Colette Lilley, Arena Studios and Gallery, Liverpool
2017 UNTOUCHED, site specific drawing and installation with Marijke Brinkhof, Rotterdam Holland
2016
ART GYM, Tate Liverpool - drawing devices installation and workshops Liverpool UK
IN THE FRAME, Tate Liverpool - sound work with group of adults with learning difficulties Liverpool UK GREEN POINT OPEN, Green Point, New York City: pop-up exhibition of drawing devices. New York USA
2015
BAMBAMBAM: Group show at The Royal Standard, Liverpool
KEPLA Ordinant 6 - short film (with Jon Davies) screened at A Small Cinema, Liverpool
TATE Liverpool Participative Drawing Workshop for combined Youth Groups, Liverpool UK
TATE Modern Circuit – live, participative drawing event (with Thom Isom), London UK
TATE Liverpool Participative Public Drawing Workshop, Liverpool UK
2014
ROOM 2D: Drawing installation in The Carlton Arms Hotel, New York City.
INVESTMENT: Photographs for Tabitha Moses’ exhibition Investment at The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
DIALECT: Ghost Duty: short film with Madeline Hall and Andrew Hunt (producer)
SPACE/SOUND#2: at the Bluecoat: live drawing performance with projections and film. With Madeline Hall and Deep Hedonia and musicians/producers. Liverpool UK
WHIRLIGIG: drawing performance with Cave Collective, Alex Wolkowicz, Cat Lauigan and Robert Aiki Au-brey Lowe at Le Petit Versailles, Houston Street, New York City: live drawing performance using turntables mirrors and lights
GREEN POINT OPEN, Green Point, New York City: pop-up exhibition of drawings
2013
SPACE/SOUND#1 at the Bluecoat - live drawing performance with Madeline Hall and Deep Hedonia plus musicians and producers. Liverpool UK
LINEOUT, Camp and Furnace: performative drawing with Madeline Hall and Deep Hedonia, Philip Jeck (art-ist and composer) Sense of Sound (choral ensemble). Liverpool UK
SNAKE CITY Liverpool Biennial, Camp and Furnace: drawing and sculpting day with artist and musician Chiz Turnross and composer Alex Germains. Liverpool UK
2012
LIVERPOOL ART PRIZE: Exhibition and Participative Drawing Studio at Metal, Edge Hill, Liverpool UK
LOST IS FOUND: Cornerhouse, Manchester UK - Group Show
Gloucester Canal and River Trust exhibition - group show curated by Fran Disley
THE SPECTACLE OF THE LOST: Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool. UK with Birds Ear View Collective
DRAWING STUDIO: at Cafe Valise with Metal, at Peterborough Festival, 2012
DRAWING SESSIONS#2: at Camp and Furnace, Liverpool