PoPsee
Exploring the creative world of British contemporary artist, PoPsee, real name Barry Samms, whose work is an intriguing blend of history, pop culture, and luxury brands which takes a look at the dynamics of societal value and pokes at our collective understanding of it. The allure if his work lies not solely in the bold digital renderings and cultural nods but in the artist's complex relationship with luxury brands. Popsee's work is ironic, playful, nostalgic and thought provoking. In 1973, Barry Samms was born in Barking East London. Growing up with very little, Barry went to a very strict catholic school. Barry is Generation X and was fascinated with the emerging of BMXing, breakdancing, hip hop & rap as well as skateboarding, Nike, and Adidas basketball boots & the emerging football association with fashion. Barry enjoyed the freedom to party amidst the acid house movement within the late 80's Britain "Second Summer of Love". During this time as a teenager, Barry was designed flyers for those parties.
At the age of 16, Barry loved attending all night unlicensed raves during the "Second Summer of Love" in the UK. He would go out all night and morning with his friends from The Dungeons beneath The Greyhound pub on Lea Bridge Road, Bournemouth, Milton Keynes to abandoned warehouse and aircraft hangers, traveling around the UK in the height of pills' scene. Barry was inspired by the artist David Shrigley and decided to study art and design after leaving school. He then went on to work for twenty years for his father who created a shipping business from their dining room table. The shipping business won The Queen's Award for International Trade in 2009 and was sold in 2012. In 2009, whilst still involved in shipping, Barry created BR Republic Jewellery with The Prodigy's Maxim and Bobby White Jeweller and sold jewellery through department store Harvey Nichols. Through music industry connections, Barry's jewellery was bought and worn by Beyonce and Jay Z. PoPsee is now a full-time artist and has recently launched a digital series influenced by his nostalgia for the "Second Summer of Love" in the UK.
