Ballina gallery exhibits works of Allen Barker
Early works of London-based abstract artist Allen Barker are on show at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina.
The exhibition — Allen Barker: Impressions of a young man, historic views of Ballina — was opened by Barker’s long-time friend, the well-known underwater photographer Valerie Taylor.
Paintings on show include works of Ballina landmarks such as scenes from Shelly Beach and the old kiosk near the Shaws Bay caravan park.
Exhibition curator Vivienne Sigley said Barker had donated more than a dozen works to be used as fund-raisers for Ballina’s new gallery.
She said that the artist was now well-established in Europe, with his works in major collections in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.
At the exhibition opening, Ms Taylor read a message from Barker, in which he said it was a pleasure to donate some of his early works to the gallery.
He told how he stayed at the family’s beach house in East Ballina during the 1950s and painted non-stop for three months.
Barker also praised one of his former Lismore High School teachers, Nancy Wilkie, who recognised his artistic talents and helped him pursue a painting career.
Ms Taylor recalled how she met Barker when she modelled at East Sydney Technical College.
“He was very poor,” Ms Taylor said, adding that she thought he had the disease scurvy, and suggested he see a doctor.
Her diagnosis proved correct, with the doctor advising the artist to eat plenty of vegetables.
Ms Taylor said she had not seen Barker since he left for Italy in 1961. He was still a poor artist then — Ms Taylor noticed that Barker did not have a coat to take with him.
“I said it would be cold over there, so I gave him my black duffle coat,” she said.
There have been reports that the two were in a relationship, but this is not the case, Ms Taylor said.
“He was a very dear friend, but not my boyfriend,” she said.
The exhibition will continue throughout January.
PICTURE: Valerie Taylor, centre, and Florence Miller and Beryl Fletcher, who loaned paintings for the exhibition. The painting pictured is one of Allen Barker’s earliest abstracts.
