Charles Barth lives and works in Oaxaca, Mexico. Charles creates symbolic figural studies of real and fictitious characters. He is fascinated with Mexican culture, and he has a strong interest in art history and often incorporates historical art images and symbolism. On first glance the subjects may seem ominous, but upon closer inspection one can see the humor and reverence that the artist uses to portray his characters. His etchings involve images from Mexico and popular cultures such as Kitsch, current fads and fashions, pop stars, TV images, films, rock music and disco. The images are expressed in a "fantastic" style and are abstracted, exaggerated and satirized.

Using a three color etching process, he creates images that are colorful and full of pattern and detail. He is interested in color and light and tries to express the "brassy" sights and sounds of the environment. The end result involves bright or garish colors, exotic images and feeling of light moving over the surfaces.

Place of Birth: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Education:

1979: Post Doctoral Studies; University of Iowa

1978: Doctorate in Art Education; llinois State University

1966: Master of Science in Art Education; Illinois State University

1963: Bachleor of Education; Chicago State University.

Albrecht Art Museum, St. Joseph, MO

Art Insitute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids, IA

Graphic Chemical & Ink Company, Chicago, IL

La Mano Magica, Oaxaca, MX

Na Bolom, San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, MX

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pa

Principal Group, Mexico DF

University of Texas, Tyler, TX

University of Wisconsin, Platteville, WI

2004: Intaglio Prints, Charles Barth, Olsen-Larsen Galleries, Des Moines, Iowa.

2003: Delta National Small Prints 2003, State University, AR

2003: North American Print Biennial, Boston University, Boston, MA 2003: Valentine’s Day Show, James Snidle Gallery,Chico, CA

2003:Red Hot Art, Campbell/Steele Gallery, Marion IA .

2002: Seven Artists, Olson-Larsen Galleries, Des Moines, IA .

2002:Campbell/Steele Gallery, Marion, IA

2002:Society of American Graphic Artists 69th National Print Exhibition, Grand Gallery at the Art Students League of New York, NY 2002:"Dia de los Muertos Exhibit," group show,La Mano Magica Galena, Oaxaca, MX Recent Work, Prints and Paintings by Charies Barth, James Snidle Gallery, Chico, CA