Johannes Barfield, Honors College

Name:

Johannes Barfield

Title:

Assistant Professor

Department:

Honors College

Describe your research in about 200 words.

I am a sample-based visual and sound artist working in collage, installation, video, photography, XR (extended reality), collage, and music. My artistic practice and research delve into childhood memories, joy, appropriation as a means of survival, the restitution of artifacts, extinction, emerging technology, and the music played at family cookouts. I am particularly interested in the perception of originality and how it intersects with the collective contributions to art and culture. In my work, I strive to capture the essence of collective creativity by emphasizing the importance of collage, sampling, and collaboration.

My philosophy and approach to my creative practice are inspired by the speculative science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, who said, “There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns.” This perspective highlights the connection between individual expressions and the shared human experiences that transcend time and space.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

One of the most delightful things I’ve learned from a student is that sometimes, even when I can’t see the immediate impact of my guidance, it’s still making a difference behind the scenes. It’s a great reminder that the seeds of inspiration and support we plant can bloom in unexpected ways!