The Art of physics and politics of global warming
1 “Carbon Budget” diptych
Left panel: weave a thin sheet of activated charcoal (coal-phase carbon) into the linen before you gesso. Right panel: leaf the identical rectangle in 23k gold. The two weights are calibrated so the coal side embodies 1 tonne of CO₂ (you can back-calculate the carbon mass) and the gold side embodies the current EU carbon-price value of offsetting that same tonne (≈ €90). Title the piece with the exact dollar/tonne on the day you finish. When the carbon market spikes, the gold half is literally worth more—your wall becomes a live commodity ticker.
Richard Gene Barbera
The Art of physics and politics of global warming
4. Fossil / Future Stroboscopic
Sprinkling coal dust onto a vibrating 40 cm gold-leaf square at 1,000 fps. Reverse the footage so the dust appears to levitate off the surface and re-coalesce into a solid chunk. Export one frame where dust and gold are half-mixed, print it 120 cm wide on metallic paper, then coat the print with a matte black rectangle so only a 2 cm gold rim glints. The viewer can’t tell if matter is assembling or disintegrating—exactly the carbon-cycle uncertainty we live inside.
Richard Gene Barbera
Global Art Times
Issue May 2025
Celebrating 40 Editions of Creative Brilliance! This May 2025, we are thrilled to feature Richard Gene Barbera—acclaimed as the Environmental Artist—in our landmark 40th Edition, proudly showcasing Maine's artistic presence in Global Art Times.
Barbera's groundbreaking work merges natural elements with contemporary techniques, challenging conventional perspectives on environmental art. His exhibition will include never-before-seen installations that reflect Maine's rugged coastlines and lush forests, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world."
Contemporary Elegance
LIGHT FROM DARKNESS
A mesmerizing minimalist composition that captures the raw essence of materiality, this artwork presents a profound visual dialogue between luminous metallic gold and deep carbon black on premium Spanish linen.
Precision meets poetry in this meticulously crafted piece, where two elemental forms—gold and carbon—exist in a delicate, dynamic balance. The artwork transcends mere representation, becoming a meditation on contrast, depth, and subtle interaction.
Technical Mastery
- Medium: Metallic gold oil and carbon black acrylic
- Canvas: Imported Spanish linen
- Technique: Layered textural application
- Style: Contemporary minimalist abstraction
Conceptual Depth
The golden form radiates potential and transformation, while the carbon shape grounds the composition with its profound, introspective presence. Each brushstroke is an intentional gesture, reducing complex visual language to its most essential expression.
