Whether you believe the expression “may you live in interesting times” originated as a genuine Chinese curse or (as is more likely the case) a mis-quote fron a speech in 1898 by British politician Joseph Chamberlain, the fact remains that we are currently living in “interesting” times, with much of what has been as the world order for the last 80-ish years apparently being turned on its head.
In times like these, we often ending up in thoughts or conversations revolving around the question of “why?” Not necessarily to obtain an answer, but purely because things are so confusing and affect us in such vastly different ways, we feel the need to utter the word.
In this respect, “why?” can be a frustrating – if not outright absurd – question to ask simply because it encompasses both the literal – a need for answers – and the rhetorical.
Possibly because of this, Bamboo Barnes chooses not to ask the question, but instead create art; and so we have her latest exhibition Mundane Absurdity, which opened at ArtCare Gallery curated by Carelyna, on October 23, 2026.
A collection of 2D pieces – some still, some animated – Mundane Absurdity is presented across two levels within a space also designed by Bamboo (do make sure you use the Shared Environment on visiting). However, it is not in any way some form of heavy visual treatise on either the question or the times in which we live.
Instead, it offers a series of pieces in Bamboo’s bold and expressive use of colour, framing and layering which are – ultimately – a presentation of mood and the yin and yang swing that can be found both with living through such confusing times, coupled with the swing of mood and intent within the creative experience.
Thus we have by turns pieces that are clearly light and joyous, others which are perhaps more pensive in nature; others fold into them Bamboo’s familiar questioning of identity whilst others – to me at least – the enfolding of beauty / attractiveness through the simplicity of expression: a look, a smile or a pose.
To put it another way: these are pieces which both contrast the shifting of moods which grow from a common seed – our own thoughts and perceptions, actions and reactions – whilst underling the fact those shifting mood are rooted in the same seeds. Additionally, they demonstrate the fact that art can produce contrasting, expressive outcomes whilst sharing the same origins.
These contrasts, rooted as they are in the “mundane” – be it the passage of daily life or the conscious decision to be “creative” – can seem almost absurd when we consider their juxtaposition. Here, they result in images which are anything but mundane or absurd, but which are both captivating in and of themselves, whilst also inviting us – if so minded – to consider what else they might have to say to us.
SLurl Details
- Mundane Absurdity, ArtCare Gallery (Emotion, rated Moderate)
