Sage Barnes American, b. 1995

Sage Barnes (American, b. 1995) is a Missouri based artist whose works seek to explore the universal human experiences through subtle humour and tongue in cheek wit. In his studio practice, Barnes strives to push the boundaries of materiality, seeking new challenges when it comes to the creative process by often incorporating various mediums such as neon, stucco, concrete, and other non-traditional elements to his works. Barnes continues to evolve in this sense and his current body of work reflects this with the incorporation of sculptural elements as well as physical interventions throughout the canvas.

Barnes studied at the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in Los Angeles for a time before leaving to pursue a career as an artist. He first rose to prominence in 2016 with his refreshing take on urban art - these early pieces featured his signature suit and tie clad male figures and grew to expand into his wide range of mediums and imagery that are seen throughout his work today - some of the most prominent being the “Smiley” and “Balloon” themes that have become a Sage Barnes signature.  

The artist works from his studio otherwise known as 'The Lab' in Kansas City, USA. His mode of production is extremely physical and involved, often posting videos of himself flinging paint against the canvas, or taking a hammer to the artwork to reveal an abstracted piece. The artist explores how this mode of destruction can lead to new forms of creation.

Barnes’s work can be found in esteemed private collections and galleries throughout North America and the globe, as he is currently established both domestically and internationally.