As a maker of original works in a variety of medium, I primarily focus on painting and multi-media collage, though I try not to limit the materials with which I work. I have a range of influences both historic and modern, from cubism, post-impressionism, abstract expressionism and surrealism; to cartoons, pop and graffiti art. It is my goal to incorporate an amalgam of art movements throughout history into my own work.

I have an affinity to such a wide range of art, I cannot help to explore, internalize, and in return, materialize this curiosity and influence in my own work. Because of this quality, I often fail to answer the seemingly simple question of what kind of work it is that I do. I am unable to categorize or “brand” my work readily. Be that as it may, whatever the medium or subject matter I employ, I maintain a commonality in all my work through a long cultivated personal style.

In multimedia-collage and dioramas, I use reclaimed and diverse materials, utilizing their unique history and character. With painting, I vacillate between abstract extremes and narrative themes, and explore the vast range between. The materials, and imagery I use, intend to evoke a sense of mystery. The works are composed in a buoyant manner, yet with the intention of creating a complex puzzle of meaning and emotion, with no singular interpretation.

The whimsical, often vivacious quality in my art, coincides with methodical implementation of composition, color and aesthetic to exhibit the care and professionalism of its’ creation. I resolve to lure the viewer into an intimate examination of my work to reveal a deep connection to art history, culture, and allegory.

Joseph Barillaro grew up in rural CT and gravitated towards the arts from an early age. He was fortunate enough to have supportive influences throughout his education there and later in the College years. In 1990 he attended The Art Institute of Boston, following his older siblings to the city he previously had traveled to visit them in, and grew to love. His formal art education coincided with his fervent gravitation to the local graffiti scene. Joseph became a prolific and well known graffiti writer among his peers, and pushed the boundaries of creativity in this discipline. He was determined to investigate, and further the communion between graffiti, and the art that lured his interest in the environs of his art education. He was an exceptional student of the arts, and firmly grasped art concepts within and beyond the classroom. Graduating with honors from The Art Institute ion Boston in 1994, what followed was a meandering artist working odd jobs and having no clue how to navigate the art world. He soon came to realize just how naive he had been in art school, having no professional plan moving forward. Excelling in the anti-establishment graffiti scene, left him with no real world skills translatable to a career as an artist.

In 1995, he moved to Minneapolis MN for personal reasons. There he gained the random opportunity to work as a scenic artist painting sets for TV commercials, trade shows, and other small production projects. He continued to work on his own art, but with little concept of art business, he thought it wise to continue with the scenic artist line of work in the interim. Quickly rising in the ranks of scenic artists, he soon began to work in film and television. Upon moving back to Boston in 2000 he continued this work. Then in 2002 he moved to NYC for a two year stay, and gained much experience as a scenic artist there. He continued work on his personal art, and the nurturing of his creative growth . However, he remained perplexed of what means to enter the art scene. He dabbled in the graffiti arts on occasion during time spent in Minneapolis and NYC, but stayed focused on moving forward. By 2008 he returned to Boston, and became a sought after lead scenic artist. Through the time in Minneapolis and Boston, he took the initiative to paint several public murals for parks in the areas he resided, to keep himself visible as an artist.

Working as as a scenic artist, has allowed for a career in the company of artists, and to be challenged with creative problem solving of a diverse nature. Joseph learned a vast amount through this work, and in turn, it has informed his most personal work in unexpected and significant ways. However, the nature of scenic work, is to materialize the visions of designers who make the creative decisions. The lack of artistic gratification as an individual, has kept him vigilant in producing his own work. Joseph is now a distinct artist that has developed his own unique style, and has created an accomplished body of work. After decades of working out of an extra room or basement of his places of residence, at last in 2018 he began to rent studio space. His intention is to take larger steps towards a greater commitment to himself as an artist.