Barry John MBE finalist in British Contemporary Art Awards
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The public can vote for their favorite artist by visiting the website of the British Contemporary Art Awards.

The Journey to the Finalists

Barry John MBE’s journey to the British Contemporary Art Awards 2025 began with his passion for art. Growing up in a family of artists, he was exposed to the world of art from a young age. His parents, both artists themselves, encouraged his creativity and nurtured his talent. This early exposure had a profound impact on Barry John MBE’s life, shaping his artistic style and vision.

Early Influences

  • His parents’ influence on his artistic style
  • Exposure to various art forms and techniques
  • Early experimentation with different mediums
  • As a child, Barry John MBE was fascinated by the world of art. He spent hours observing and imitating the works of famous artists, from the Old Masters to modern-day contemporary artists.

    Early Life and Career

    Barry’s early life was marked by a strong sense of adventure and a desire to serve his country. Growing up in Neyland, a small village in Wales, Barry was exposed to the military from a young age. His father, a veteran of World War II, would often share stories of his experiences, inspiring Barry to follow in his footsteps. Barry’s interest in the military was further fueled by his education, which included a stint at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was accepted into the British Army’s Officer Training Corps (OTC) program, where he honed his leadership skills and developed a strong work ethic.*

    Military Service

    Barry’s military service was marked by numerous deployments and postings around the world. He served in various roles, including infantry, intelligence, and logistics. Some of his notable postings include:

  • Hong Kong: Barry served in Hong Kong during the 1980s, where he was involved in counter-terrorism operations. Korea: He was stationed in Korea during the 1990s, where he worked on humanitarian aid efforts. China: Barry served in China, where he was involved in peacekeeping operations. Malaysia: He was posted in Malaysia, where he worked on counter-terrorism operations. Jamaica: Barry served in Jamaica, where he was involved in community outreach programs. USA: He was stationed in the USA, where he worked on intelligence operations. Germany: Barry served in Germany, where he was involved in peacekeeping operations.

    VC Gallery provides a safe space for people to express themselves, share their experiences and connect with others.

    About VC Gallery

    VC Gallery is a community-led arts project that aims to promote social inclusion and improve the lives of veterans and the wider community. The project is based in the UK and has been established to address the social isolation and mental health issues faced by veterans and other marginalized groups.

    Our Services

  • Counselling services: VC Gallery offers one-to-one and group counselling sessions to help individuals cope with the challenges of military life and other life experiences. Communal meals: The project provides regular meals for veterans and other community members, promoting social interaction and a sense of belonging. Art workshops: VC Gallery offers a range of art workshops, from painting and drawing to sculpture and printmaking, providing a creative outlet for participants. Outdoor activities: The project organizes outdoor activities, such as walks and hikes, to promote physical activity and social interaction. ### Our Approach
  • Our Approach

    VC Gallery takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of veterans and the wider community. The project recognizes that social exclusion and mental health issues are often interconnected, and that addressing one issue can have a positive impact on the other. We believe that art has the power to transform lives and promote social inclusion. We work with a range of partners, including mental health organizations and community groups, to ensure that our services are comprehensive and effective.