Barry (Mandot) Messer                             Surrealist My art is a synthesis of the modern and the primitive worlds. I seek to represent and juxtapose these worlds by using imagery and symbols from many times, places, and cultures. I also attempt to make spiritual as well as earthly connections within the context of the visual themes I have in mind. My artistic roots lie in Surrealism and I tend to think in Surrealistic terms. Thus, my paintings may more aptly be thought of as “Dreamscapes”, since Surrealism deals with the subconscious and dream like states of mind. The technique I normally employ is a dot technique. I started using “the dots” after viewing a show of Australian Aboriginal Art at the Burke Museum on the campus of the University of Washington in 1977. I was impressed by how the dots animated the painting surface, giving the paintings a visual effect that modulation does not. I am excited by the world of ideas merged with color, texture, and design.  I generally paint subjects that interest me.  My desire is to have my audience propelled to other realms of thought and possibilities. In doing this I try to elicit a response from the viewer and compel them to reflect upon what they are seeing. I’ve been a professional artist for over 30 years. My work hangs in many private collections and homes throughout the United States.