Charles Barth

Charles Barth is a printmaker from Cedar Rapids who spends much of his time in Mexico. Using a four-color intaglio process, Charles creates symbolic figural studies of real and fictitious characters. His fascination with Mexican culture is apparent in his prints. They are colorful and full of pattern and detail. On first glance the subjects may seem ominous, but upon closer inspection one can see the humor and reverence that the artist uses to portray his characters.

My prints involve images from Mexico and popular cultures such as Kitsch, current fads and fashions, pop stars, t.v. images, films, rock music and disco. The images are expressed in a "fantastic" style and are abstracted, exaggerated and satirized. I am interested in color and light and try to express the "brassy" sights and sounds of the environment. The end result involves bright or garish colors, exotic images and feeling of light moving over the surfaces. I have a strong interest in art history and often incorporate historical art images and symbolism.

Charles received his undergraduate degree from Chicago State University. He holds a Doctorate in Art Education from Illinois State University and continued post-doctoral studies at the University of Iowa. He was Professor of Art at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids from 1972 to 2003.