MA History of Art student Hatty Davidson assisted the curating of the show and worked closely with the artist to produce a bold and exciting environment for the works which are based on the inner microscopic workings of the human body.

Karen Barber said: “When one looks at these processes deep inside the body one finds an amazing abundance of colour and vibrancy; of energy and dynamism, of creativity and vivacity – indeed, the essence of life itself.  The essence of being a human being is colourful, exciting and a source of inspiration.”

Hatty Davidson said: “Although many of the works rely on scientific terminology for their titles, the abstract nature of the collection allows viewers to interpret the paintings for themselves.  Emphasis is laid on the adaptable and multifunctional nature of paint through the use of colour and form, key elements in the development of abstract art from its earliest emergence in the works of Cézanne, Picasso and Kandinsky, and throughout the twentieth century to the present.”

All the works in 37 Degrees are for sale, as well as a limited selection of screenprints and monotypes from Karen Barber’s previous collections.  Some works are also available on cards and as unframed prints.

The exhibition opens on Friday 30 March 2012 and runs for one month at The Bristol Gallery, Unit 2, Building 8, Millennium Promenade, Harbourside, BS1 5TY.  The gallery is open from Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm.