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"As an artist, my ultimate goal is to deepen my understanding of the human condition, uncovering fresh perspectives on the world and our place within it. My work often explores the figure or portrait in relation to a carefully chosen environment, creating a dialogue between subject and space. Through meticulous rendering, I seek to captivate the viewer, but my true aim is to go beyond the surface and reveal a profound psychological narrative."
JORDAN BARNES
Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Jordan is an award-winning painter and is recognized as an artistic all-rounder. His inspiration for his works comes from social observations and personal relationships. In addition to his painting, Jordan is passionate about songwriting. He released his debut album on Lazy Bones Recordings in 2015, followed by his sophomore album, ‘Theories,’ in 2017. He emphasizes that the creative process, whether for a song or a painting, remains much the same.​
AWARDS
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Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2024
Finalist, National Contemporary Art Award, 2023
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2023
People's Choice Award, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2022
Merit Award, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2022
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2022
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2020
Finalist, Adam Portrait Award, 2020
Finalist, Wallace Awards, 2019
Finalist, Adam Portrait Award, 2018
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize, 2017
NZAAT $15000 Artist Grant, 2010
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ACHIEVEMENTS / EXHIBITIONS
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2025
Group Exhibition, Artis Gallery, Auckland, NZ
'Fix Me to the World' Group Show, Webbs Gallery, Wellington, NZ
Barnes & Burrowes, The Central Gallery, Christchurch, NZ
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2024
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize
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2023
Finalist, National Contemporary Art Award
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize
​Merit Award, Parkin Drawing Prize
2022
'STUDIO MIX' Group Show, Nadene Milne Gallery, Arrowtown, NZ
People's Choice Award, Parkin Drawing Prize
Merit Award (Highly Commended), Parkin Drawing Prize
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize
Group Show, Nadene Milne Gallery, Arrowtown, NZ
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2021
Solo Exhibition, Hastings City Art Gallery, Hawkes Bay, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Hall Of Design, Oakura, NZ
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2020
Solo Exhibition, Hall Of Design, Oakura, NZ
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize
Finalist, Adam Portrait Award
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2019
Finalist, Wallace Art Award
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2018
Finalist, Adam Portrait Award
2017
‘Theories’ The Album, released on Lazy Bones Recordings
Finalist, Parkin Drawing Prize
2016
Song Placement, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox, US
Song Placement, MTV Challenge Reality Show, US
2015
4 x Song Placement, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox, US
Album Release / Exhibition, Cutler Art Space, Brooklyn, New York, US
Album Release / Exhibition, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth, NZ
Signed to Lazy Bones Recordings (US)
2014
Life Education Trust Exhibition, Wellington, NZ
Group Exhibition, The Artist’s Room Fine Art Gallery, Dunedin, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Y & Art Gallery, Auckland, NZ
Art Of War, Group Show, Jonathan Grant Galleries, Auckland, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Thievery Studio, Auckland, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Puke Ariki, New Plymouth, NZ
Group Exhibition, Puke Ariki, New Plymouth, NZ
Selector for Nz Art Show 2014
2013
RVCA Advocate Artist
2012
Group Exhibition, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth, NZ
Little Lotus Project, Group Exhibition, Wellington, NZ
Surfaid music collaboration
2011
Recipient of the first NZAAT $15,000 Artist Grant
Portrait of Anna Paquin for WWF Ocean Views Campaign
Advocate Artist for Element Skateboards
Solo Exhibition, The Long Gallery, Museum Hotel Wellington, NZ
2010
Solo Exhibition, Kina Gallery, New Plymouth, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Te Karanga Gallery, Auckland, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Ink And Anchor, New Plymouth, NZ
T-Shirt design for Von Zipper Eye Wear
Feature Article In Presence Magazine
Music Video, MTV, Juice TV And C4 (NZ)
2009
Solo Exhibition, Thistle Hall Gallery, Wellington, NZ
Group Exhibition, St Kevins Arcade, Auckland, NZ
2008
Private Invite-Only Group Exhibition, New Plymouth, NZ
2006
Solo Exhibition, Powderoom, New Plymouth, NZ
Solo Exhibition, Verge Gallery, New Plymouth, NZ
2001
North Harbour Aimes Encouragement Award