PORTSMOUTH, NH – In his latest body of work, experimental photographer Barry Tarr invites viewers into a kaleidoscopic world where technology meets abstraction. Tarr transforms light itself into his subject, using vivid color and futuristic geometry to stimulate the eye and spark the imagination.
At the heart of this series is a fundamental question: what can color do when freed from representation? His images abandon traditional subject matter in favor of pure visual sensation. Through layered compositions and carefully controlled lighting, Tarr explores color as a language of emotion, energy, and form. “Color is the property of an object that creates a sensation in the eye and is interpreted by the brain,” Tarr explains. “In this series, I’ve used color purely as an abstract exercise; intended to delight the eye and mind.”
While the final works may appear otherworldly, their creation is grounded in the tangible evolution of technology. Tarr harnesses recent advancements in LED lighting and microcontrollers—tools more commonly associated with engineering than fine art. His innovative use of inexpensive, programmable light strips enables a level of precision and experimentation that brings a new dimension to photographic practice. Each piece is a vibrant reminder that technology and art have always been in conversation. Just as early photography depended on developments in chemistry and optics, today’s digital artists find inspiration in the newest tools of light and code. With this series, Barry Tarr continues that legacy, merging science and art to dazzling effect.
The Nature of Light will be on view at Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, 136 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, from July 2nd to July 27th, with an opening reception on July 11th. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.