Alvaro Barrington Chosen for Prestigious Tate Britain Commission Tate Britain is set to host Barrington’s latest creation
London’s Tate Britain is set to host Venezuelan-born artist Alvaro Barrington’s latest creation as part of its annual Tate Britain Commission. Born in 1983, Barrington will unveil his monumental piece on May 29th in the classically adorned Duveen Galleries, exploring themes of place and belonging.
Renowned for his expansive approach to painting, Barrington draws from a rich tapestry of personal memories and cultural influences, spanning music, pop culture, and art history. His unconventional use of materials, from concrete to brooms, evokes the sounds, colours, and social fabric of his upbringing split between Grenada and Brooklyn. Barrington’s artistic reach extends beyond traditional venues, including installations at London’s Notting Hill Carnival and Glastonbury Festival and the transformation of an East London basketball court.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Barrington remarked, “This commission is such a great opportunity, and I am incredibly honoured to create new work for the Duveen Galleries.”
Tate Britain’s Director, Alex Farquharson, expressed excitement over Barrington’s selection, highlighting his significant contributions to contemporary British art since arriving in London in 2015. Farquharson lauded Barrington’s ability to blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and performance, noting his dedication to creating accessible artistic experiences.
Born to a Haitian father and a Grenadian mother, Barrington studied at New York’s Hunter College before relocating to London to attend the Slade School of Fine Art. His portfolio boasts international exhibitions, including solo shows at MoMA PS1 and South London Gallery, with works in prestigious collections worldwide.
Barrington’s commission joins a prestigious lineage of artists who have graced Tate Britain’s Duveen Galleries, including Hew Locke, Heather Phillipson, and Phyllida Barlow.
