about the artist

Giles Alan Nenad Barwick

17.07.72   -  30.11.20

Born in Croatia, Giles moved to Bristol  with his family in the 90’s, where he first studied Graphic Design. Following a short course at St. Ives School of Art he enrolled at the University of the West of England and graduated with a BA in Fine Art. Here he was awarded The Innes Wilken Art in Architecture Prize.

For Giles Art became a means of self expression and therapy, drawing and sketching a salutary pursuit as a teenager, a distraction during long periods of hospitalisation whilst battling with Crohn’s Disease.

Early canvasses described as “angst ridden” were nevertheless always seen as bright and lively in nature, his techniques developed from observation and dependent on the moment when inspiration took hold - ”I like things to happen”. The later  introduction of females faces to his work drew psychological assumptions for some who knew him well …… the image of a face with closed or even obliterated eyes was linked to Giles long history with his nemesis, Crohn’s disease, once described by him as being “still present, unseen by others and hidden from sight by me”. As far as Giles was concerned the faces had become “the signature element to my work”

Over the years Giles has exhibited in various venues and galleries in and around Bristol and lately at Art Festivals in Italy, the latter leading to  a personal profile being included in Stigmazine, a leading Italian Art magazine. One of his ‘face’ paintings was selected to promote literature to support  Anorexia and Bulimia Care, at which time he accompanied a group of representatives to the Houses of Parliament to highlight their charity. He has also donated paintings for auction to other charitable organisations including Help the Homeless and Art in Africa, in support of Aids sufferers.

Giles death aged only 48 years came not long after his terminal diagnosis and as always he remained upbeat and determined knowing full well his race was run. Once again he turned for comfort and self expression with his trusty sketchbook and pencil.

Elaine Barwick

April 2021