Jen Barker

Origin: Houston, TX, USA
Birth Year: 1994

Barker’s practice explores moments of connection and disconnection. Grappling with loneliness, she creates delicate paper sculptures that gesture towards this human condition. With a background in intergenerational fiber practices, she uses sewing and crocheting to communicate and connect with those around her. Due to this desire to communicate, text is therefore an essential component of many of her works as she uses words as an artistic medium. Barker incorporates poetic phrases in her sculptures in efforts to try and often fail to communicate. These failures are where she finds the most humanity in her practice.

Falling in Stasis, 2024
Stock images reminiscent of the artist’s memory of leaves from her childhood home, laser cut notebook paper, sewing thread

Drifting in My Mind, 2023
Notebook paper, sewing thread, graphite, audio

Dear Lover, 2023
Quilted love letter on notebook paper, sewing thread
8" × 10" × 4"