Barry John MBE.

The former soldier is well-known for his trailblazing work running the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, where he provides a safe space in which army veterans, older people, children and people experiencing isolation or mental health difficulties can try their hand at art and hold their own exhibitions. He is also a respected artist in his own right and this show demonstrates the scope and strength of his work. The pieces on display include works made after visits to London in the wake of recent terrorist attacks. The resulting ‘black graffiti’ paintings have led some to dub him ‘the Welsh Basquiat.’ Treading the line between order and chaos, these large-scale pieces demonstrate a love of colour that runs through much of John’s work.

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Barry has held many solo art exhibitions throughout the UK and Europe and many group exhibitions including the John Creasey Museum in Salisbury and Exeter Castle. He has also exhibited in the Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, with an exhibition titled 'Homecoming', opened by Andrew Vicari. At the Mall Gallery, London, in the Armed Forces exhibition with Prince Charles and opened by the then Secretary of Defense, where Barry was presented with the Templar Award for Art. Barry did a number of powerful pieces at the Art of Remembrance showing work on the Welsh at Mametz Wood. His work has also been auctioned as part of the Square Mile Salute. In 2017 he won an award for community work at the Pride of Britain Awards and has won a Local Heros award for art three times.

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In August 2017 Barry held a solo exhibition at the Late November Gallery, Haverfordwest, opened by the former New York Times art critic, John Russell Taylor. In February 2018 Barry held a solo art exhibition called 'Remains of the Day' at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition featured a number of works including examples of his ‘black graffiti’ and Geisha girls.

His themes can be challenging, often including riots and terrorism, but Barry's art reflects the challenge that he sees in life. The forms, shapes, colour and execution of his work represent being brave in art. Barry's work has been compared to Jean-Michel Basquiat, painting in a similar neo-expressionist style, stemming from the tradition of graffiti and street art.

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Barry now has works in museums and galleries including Kooywood Gallery, Cardiff, Pure Art, Milford Haven, Broadway Luxury Gallery, Cotswolds, and the Fleek Gallery in Devon. His work is in many private collections; most notably actor Rhys Ifans, world-title boxer Gavin Rees and Chef Raymond Blanc amongst others.