‘Our beliefs and emotional states can distort the way we see reality. When we look in the mirror, we often only focus on areas that we are unhappy with and forget the importance of what is beyond the physical and the beauty within. Social media allows images to be manipulated to distort reality to create what is perceived as the perfect image – but what is that? Funhouse mirrors also distort reality and can evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy. Visitors are invited to enter and have fun with the work while it acts as a reminder to accept and embrace our imperfections in the real world. We are all perfectly imperfect.‘

About Artist

Scottish artist Anne Marie Barnett was born in Ayrshire and now practicing in her studio in Perth. Anne Marie was the 128 Telephone Box Gallery’s Graduate Award Winner 2023. She completed her BA Hons Art and Contemporary Practices with a First Class Honours at the University of the Highlands and Islands Perth. Barnett works primarily with paint, sculpture, mixed media and installation art with vibrant colour at the heart of her practice. Experimentation leads to abstract, often playful results which aim to evoke positive emotional responses.

With a successful career in the creative industry, Barnett has worked as a paste-up artist, technical illustrator, 3D modeller, graphic designer and is a qualified CIM Marketer. Key achievements include 128 Telephone Box Gallery graduate awards winner 2023, sculpture work exhibited in the Perth Museum and Galleries’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Arts Facilitator within care homes, and working with a musician to make a short video and accompanying soundtrack.

Artist Statement

Colour forms the foundation of my practice. It lifts my spirits, recharges and nourishes my senses and combined with my love of the outdoors, both enrich and fuel my life with positivity. Inspiration is plentiful and comes from many sources such as the natural environment, significant life transitions, cultural experiences through travelling and an enduring interest in people – particularly the elderly due to their wealth of knowledge, conversation and life stories. The preciousness of time and how we use it is an additional driver. It prompts work that focuses on reflection and contemplation.

My work is primarily sculptural and gravitates towards Installation due to the sensory, interactive and immersive qualities that can be experienced through this media. Everything begins with looking, thinking, and a lot of experimentation with colour, light, shapes, mixed media, and space.

Colour can have the ability to act as a positive distraction and may counterbalance negativity in our lives. The key aim of my work is to create aesthetically uplifting work that stimulates positive emotional responses and brings joy without the need to overanalyse.

OPENING & ARTIST TALK – 24th February 2024

INSTALL DAY – Ready for visitors – 3rd February 2024

EXHIBITION PLANNING