THE CREATIVE IMPACTS OF BARRY JOHNSON

by Brihana Juá

Artists like barry johnson are taking the torch and making it shine even brighter. On September 20, 2025, multi-faceted artist barry johnson will be recognized by ARTE NOIR for his citywide creative impact and collaborations at the gallery’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration. Johnson is more than an artist; he is a storyteller, and a reflection of the times that made him who he is. With much of his work reflecting his own personal journey and the vibrancy of black stories, his artistry is rooted in community, vulnerability, and a deep commitment to passing on knowledge. From doodling action figures as a child in Kansas to transforming Seattle’s buildings and cultural conversations, barry johnson is lighting up the way to build a community that honors the unique stories that shape it.

Self-portrait of barry johnson in his studio

Barry johnson grew up in Topeka, Kansas, a city historically known for its impact on the civil rights movement. One of his biggest influences is his father, who, as a single parent, taught him the value of hard work and the importance of believing in himself from an early age. His childlike wonder and creativity were unlocked while watching his favorite cartoons like Rocco’s Modern Life, and he began drawing the characters he saw on screen. He describes himself as being “heavily influenced by action figures and figurative work,” and drawing quickly became his constant. Raised in a golden era where arts, entertainment, and pop culture thrived, he found affirmation in developing his own voice.

But when it came time for college, barry didn’t see Black heroes in the art world to look up to, so he chose not to pursue art formally. Instead, his path shifted toward community work. In 2010, he moved to Washington to join the American Red Cross. Passionate about helping others, he signed up for AmeriCorps—without knowing anything about Washington or even where it was on the map. What he didn’t know then was that this step would be part of him carrying the torch forward—channeling his creativity, resilience, and service into a life where art and community would eventually become inseparable.

Even as johnson grew older and worked in the corporate world as a data analyst for Deloitte, art always had his heart. “I started to find my way back to my first love in life,” the artist says. He recalls drawing on the bus to take his mind off his workload, and even doodling in meetings—sketches that eventually caught the attention of his colleagues. Their encouragement motivated him to delve deeper into his art while still balancing his corporate responsibilities. Through his experience as a data analyst, johnson learned how to run a business, present himself professionally as an artist, and begin earning from his work. By 2021, with the support of peers and mentors, barry decided it was time to make a shift. Equipped with skills in project management, client engagement, and entrepreneurship, he left corporate life behind and began pursuing art full-time—lighting the torch for his own creativity and for the community he continues to inspire.

lost in place by barry johnson

One thing johnson really prides himself on is having fun, and his childlike wonder shines through in his art. His vibrant, colorful pieces offer a window into how he has fought through grief, transforming personal pain and loss into works that radiate joy and resilience. “If you’re creative, it’s really just in you, no matter what,” he says. “It doesn’t really matter if you’re doing it full-time or part-time. If it’s really in you, you’ll find a way to just find your way to it.”

Within his work, you can see his playfulness and an innate ability to create a lens through which the natural world reveals its role in his healing journey. Balancing the loss of his brother in 2023 and the earlier loss of his niece and nephew in 2001, with the joys of fatherhood and being a husband, johnson’s art became a vessel for these complex emotions. Much of his work consists of self-portraits set in natural environments, reflecting his process of confronting and embracing grief. In these pieces, I can see him actively finding light in the darkness—moments of joy and hope emerging amidst pain. He recalls not having cried for 20 years, which led him to spend time in public parks as a way to process his feelings of loss. This journey culminated in a show titled Never Leave Without Saying Goodbye.

embrace the loss by barry johnson

Much of johnson’s work can be seen throughout Seattle, where the art stretches from building to building, reminding everyone who passes of the culture and soul that live in the neighborhood. If it isn’t the Black-owned businesses or the embrace of local community members, it is the art that creates a sense of connection, memory, and belonging.

Collaboration has also played a central role in johnson’s practice. When asked how he balances his artistic vision with input from others on collaborative projects, he says, “There is literally no best as it pertains to art.” He values these opportunities to work with other artists and people, noting that they broaden one’s sense of understanding. “We in the Black community affectionately use the word culture. We create culture. We are culture. It's great to be able to take part in other cultures to figure out the best way to tell a collective story, and art is always the vehicle to be able to do that,” he says. Collaborative projects, such as The Nature of Community and his work with the King County Library system, have served as gentle reminders that artistry extends beyond working in solitude. Community is at the core of being an artist. Through various media, Johnson has made an impact on Seattle and the artists who dream of having their work on buildings one day. His dedication to his craft isn’t just about creating; johnson wants to teach and pass on the knowledge he’s gained. “I just want to forever continue to try to find ways to impact and serve my community, challenge my practice, and give back.”, he exclaimed.

Johnson’s impact can be felt across Seattle, from his expansive mural at Midtown Square that bursts with color and celebrates Black identity, to his contribution to the BLACK LIVES MATTER street mural on Capitol Hill. These works don’t just live on walls; they live in the hearts of the communities that pass them every day, carrying stories of resilience, creativity, and pride. His ability to transform public spaces into vibrant reflections of culture is part of why he will be honored with the Citywide Collaborative Impact Award, recognizing his role in shaping the city’s creative spirit through collaboration and community.

To explore more of barry johnson’s vibrant and thought-provoking work, visit his website at www.barryjohnson.co and follow him on Instagram @barryjohnson.co for updates on new projects, exhibitions, and community collaborations. Immerse yourself in the art of a creator who continues to light the torch for his community and generations to come.

The exterior mural painted by barry johnson at Flourish on Rainier.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

barry johnson is a visual artist based in Washington State, whose work explores the figure and its relationship to space. Through his art, he strives to address the historical erasure of Black figures in art and bring visibility to underrepresented communities.

His focus on the figure allows him to capture the human experience and emotions, while space serves as a backdrop for the narrative. For the past decade, Johnson has engaged in a unique studio practice where he devotes a year to exploring a specific theme. This theme could focus on a particular medium, narrative, or color. At the end of the year, he departs from the series and begins something new.

Through his art, barry hopes to inspire conversations and promote social change. As a Black artist, he is committed to using his platform to amplify marginalized voices and tell stories that have been neglected in the art world. His art is a reflection of his personal experiences and those of the people around him.

barry's art has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Edwin T. Pratt Award, the smART Ventures Award, and the GAP Award. He was a finalist for Seattle Art Museum's Betty Bowen Award and the Cornish School of the Arts' Neddy Award. His work has been exhibited and collected across the United States, including the State Department collection in Washington D.C. Johnson has participated in residencies at Amazon, Facebook, and BASE Experimental Space, and he has created multiple public artworks across the Pacific Northwest.

johnson is represented by Winston Wachter.