Garry Bibbs
B.S., ’83, Kentucky State University M.F.A, ’85, University of Kentucky He came from a family of builders so breathing life to animate the inanimate comes as natural to Garry Bibbs as taking a breath. Once described in “African Americans in the Visual Arts” as “a playful surrealist who mixes the fantastic with the everyday in his colorful monoprints and fantastical sculptures,” Bibbs is an associate professor at UK. Born in Athens, Alabama, his family moved to Louisville when he was very young. Many men in his family knew how to work with their hands, including masons, carpenters and plumbers. These early influences allowed him to quickly master skills that were demonstrated. He started his college career on an art scholarship at Kentucky State. The influence of one of his professors changed the direction of his art. He is an artist, not by occupation, but by spirit. In his studio, he has reminders of role models like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans who have made a difference in the lives of other African Americans. He also has a multifarious array of music that keeps the dead spaces at bay. Reggae, gospel, blues ‒‒ the music fills his studio and helps him pull the energy out of any piece he is working on. His creations start with a drawing that is fluid and has a life of its own. This helps Bibbs get an idea of where he is headed with the interpretation.
“Once you see my work, you will notice that everything has an upliftness about it. Everything seems to be alive, colorful, energetic, pleasing, intriguing. I like to gravitate people to my form of expression, then when I have your attention, I want to let you know how I feel, then I want to let you feel good about what I had to say.”
Locally, you can see his art around town: “WRFL Radio – Thunder of Universal Sound,” outside of the student radio station; “Life Family and Good Health,” outside UK’s Kentucky Clinic; and “Lyrical Movement” by the Lyric Theater.
Garry Bibbs stands next to his completed sculpture, “Lyrical Movement” next to the Lyric Theater.
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