About Michael
Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Michael Barry is a practicing artist and art educator.
After completing his schooling in Port Elizabeth, he moved to Cape Town in 1976 to pursue
and complete his Fine Arts honors degree.
Currently, Michael leads the Department of Arts
and Culture at Nelson Mandela University and actively participates in various cultural
development projects throughout Port Elizabeth.
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His work
Career highlights
Michael Barry WINS the prestigious Gerry Boulter award
Exhibition with George Pemba during the Imvaba and George Pemba exhibition
He is dedicated to fostering local art, showcasing his installations like, “Arts Heritage,” which honors the intangible cultural heritage that embodies the collective spirituality of his community.
Michael’s work spans a variety of themes, from portraits of musicians and religious symbols to interpretations of the community’s spiritual consciousness.
“The artist plays a major role in interpreting how society perceives itself both individually and collectively”
Public art commissions
- The MBDA route 67 project manager and artist for the 1976 art works on the SARS steps
- The Helenvale (HURP) Tusong centre art works (Kite boy and skipping girls)
- The Sunday Times 100 year celebration public art work in Queenstown
Interested in Michael's work?
Call: 082 362 5201
Email: info@michaelbarry.co.za
Education and qualifications
Michael attended the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with honors at UCT from the prestigious Michaelis School of Fine Art.
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1985
Higher Degree in Education
UCT
He completed his Higher Degree in Education at UCT. A year later he took up a job of teaching art at St Thomas Secondary school, Port Elizabeth.
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2004-2007
Project Manager
CREATE SA PROJECT
During this time he was the Project Manager for Create SA Project supporting the entrepreneurial development for craft practitioners in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State and the Northern Cape.
Michael was also the Eastern Cape Coordinator for the Sunday times 100 year heritage project. -
2012
Master's Degree
NMU
Michael completed his Master’s degree at Mandela University (NMU), and has held leading positions at different art related institutions and worked previously as a secondary school art teacher.
Get in touch
Interested in Michael's work?
Call: 082 362 5201
Email: info@michaelbarry.co.za