Mundane Moments: Embracing the Beauty in Subtlety
Image Courtesy: @terrybarberonbeauty via Instagram
Life often alternates between predictable routine and bursts of excitement, but predictability is a celebration of beauty in Terry Barber's world. Quiet moments can shift our focus, encouraging us to notice and appreciate the often-overlooked beauty of daily life. The idea of observing simplistic beauty has existed throughout history. From paintings to makeup looks, artists can express the mundane in many forms. The style developed contrasts flamboyance to highlight the never-ending beauty in longevity and consistency.
Image Courtesy: @terrybarberonbeauty via Instagram
Terry Barber, a “ruthlessly blunt” makeup artist based in London, developed an Instagram makeup series titled “Brexit-Beauty” that transforms the perceived ordinary aspects of British post-Brexit culture into iconic makeup looks. His makeup masterpieces challenge our minds to transform our perception of what we perceive as minuscule everyday facets into commanding works of art. Barber’s perspective on post-Brexit Britain ranges from dystopian critique to playful nods to nostalgia and relatability, all expressed through his makeup.
The spectrum of the human experience is meant to be embraced as our lives consist of a patchwork of excitement and routine. By learning to appreciate consistency, we may desensitize our perception of “dull” life concepts through artistic twists to bring a new perspective to the familiar. Art exists in numerous forms, and artists have explored slow-burning beauty throughout history, one that becomes more meaningful over time. In a world where media and minimalism are growing, makeup is a suited medium to express the coexistence of excitement and tranquility in human life. By challenging the extraordinary approach to life, mundane beauty is an appreciative and exploratory dive into the simple yet impactful moments that define our everyday lives.
Image Courtesy: @terrybarberonbeauty via Instagram
Barber utilizes classic cultural items in the London lifestyle, from pen caps to Cadbury Chocolate, to inspire his makeup. His makeup reflects the multidimensional aspects of simple objects by implementing variations of texture and bold hues, from pastels to metallic pigments. Eye-catching pops of neon colors are employed, invigorating regular, daily objects and giving them fresh meaning in daily life. Through makeup tools such as lip liners, eyeshadow, and mascara, Barber creates his artistic interpretation of how plain objects draw attention. Focusing on a single makeup element, like eyes or lips, highlights the complexity within simplicity. Emphasizing how refining one minor feature of a masterpiece, even through makeup, can transform and bring light to innovative interpretations.
Titling this makeup series “Brexit Beauty,” Barber’s intentionality for this makeup series is inspired by his perception of post-Brexit Britain. In life, boredom is a luxury compared to chaos and anxiety; thus, Barber sheds new light on his perception of an ordinary day in post-Brexit London. In addition to a witty title, “Brexit Beauty” reframes overlooked aspects of modern society so we can observe art in everyday life. Barber stretches the traditional bounds of how makeup can act as a reflection of society.
Image Courtesy: @terrybarberonbeauty via Instagram
Finding beauty in the mundane goes beyond observing details, and true understanding is the radical wonder and gratitude of subtlety waiting to be recognized. Barber expresses his fascination with the subtitles of life through sarcasm and creativity, highlighting his unique appreciation for routine and overlooked conventionalism. Learning to stop chasing things that feel monumental cultivates attunement and the presence of mind through appreciation. In the modern day, we are bombarded by media idolizing the unattainable, and in doing so, we have built a tolerance to day-to-day activities. By learning to relish in our peaceful times, we no longer reject boredom but welcome the peace it brings. No longer seeking out exceptionalism, Barber demonstrates the artistic possibilities discovered by pausing and observing beauty in the subtle moments of life. Perhaps it’s time we all embraced the art of the mundane.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabelle Kim
Editor: Emily Montarroyos
Graphic Designer: Cole Martucci
Tallahassee