Viral Instagram Artist Reconnects Followers with ‘Real World’ Art Experiences

Part of an initiative transforming dormant spaces into community hubs

Shoreditch, London
June 20th, 2024
For full dates and timings, see ‘Exhibition Details’ section below.

Noj Barker, renowned for his mesmerising dot paintings and viral Instagram success, is set to launch an immersive exhibition that underscores the importance of maintaining in-person art experiences. Working in tandem with an organisation dedicated to transforming dormant spaces into vibrant community hubs, Noj will be the inaugural artist in their latest revamped space, the historic St Michael + All Angels Church in Shoreditch.

Entitled “VIRAL”, the exhibition will present a retrospective collection of Noj’s work, representing his largest display to date. Noj will be live-streaming dot painting sessions, allowing his followers to watch him work in real time. Live piano concerts, and appearances by family members - familiar faces from his Instagram content - allow fans to connect with all their favourite characters in real life.

"While my art has taken off online and reached audiences worldwide, there's no replacement for experiencing art in person. I believe it's essential for artists to continue utilising physical spaces. Initiatives like St Michael’s circumvent the need for seeking gallery approval and make exhibiting as an emerging artist more accessible than ever," says Noj.

Consisting of hundreds of thousands of meticulously placed dots, each painting takes many hours of intense focus made possible through Noj’s meditative and trance-like process. Described as “hypnotic”, “addictive”, and even “insane” by enthusiastic commenters, Noj’s captivating Instagram Reels have shaken the contemporary art space, attracting more than a hundred million views and the attention of major publications such as The Times and The Daily Mail, both of which featured in-depth articles about his work.

“Much like a connect-the-dots game we used to play with as children, my work encourages a level of audience participation. The brain’s propensity to see faces and patterns draws viewers into a dotty landscape where they project their own thoughts and creations. From the deeply personal and profound to seeing nothing at all, everyone has a unique experience which is something I enjoy very much,” says Noj.

Having recently acquired the venue, St Michael’s believes that Noj’s ethos perfectly embodies its mission of revitalising dormant spaces and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

"Noj Barker's ambition to bring his online audience into real-world art experiences is exactly what we strive to facilitate. We believe that physical spaces where people can gather, connect, and engage with art are essential for community vitality," says David, Special Projects Manager at St Michael’s.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition

From 21st June – 18th August

Open daily *

Noj Barker can be made available for interview.

For media inquiries, please contact: studio@nojbarker.com

*opening times are subject to events, please see www.stmichaels.london or email studio@nojbarker.com for an up-to-date calendar and information.

About Noj Barker

Noj Barker, an emerging powerhouse in the contemporary art space and the epitome of Instagram success stories, is renowned for his captivating and instantly recognisable dot paintings. Garnering international acclaim, Barker's artistic journey is one of profound dedication, unique vision, and relentless upward momentum.

About St Michael + All Angels

The core of St Michaels + All Angels is one of culture, celebration, and sanctuary. Our goal is to restore and cultivate the venue as the heart of the community for shared experiences, engagement, and discovery. The sympathetically curated programme of events will be culturally focussed with a bias to community, inclusivity, charity and wellness with immersive experiences, exhibitions, performances, and conferences, bolstering a vibrant and inviting atmosphere created through collaboration with neighbouring businesses, charities, and artist-led evenings.

St Michael + All Angels contact: events@stmichaels.london