sarah barber's definition of success is completely off script. The artist behind some of Instagram's most mesmerizing raw visuals cuts through the fluff to redefine winning on your own terms. Save gallery nods and industry validation. Old women want to feel something. It's clear that her art is her catharsis as she depicts her journey through pain and grief.
Through her work, Barber transforms pain into visual poetry.through her platform, Barba tackles issues close to her heart, from honoring Palestinian traditions and giving a voice to those devastated by the ongoing occupation, to exploring the complexities of female sexuality. Masu. This artist, whose work has captivated a huge audience online, has a unique ability to explore what success means when her canvases are as much about healing personal wounds as they are a global conversation. I have.
When it comes to personal truth, Bahbah delivers it unfiltered and uncompromised while navigating the complexities of business in a digital-first creative environment. Here, we explore the value of creativity and what it means for the next generation of artists.
sarah barber
Natalie Stocklett: How do you measure your success as an artist?
Sarah Barber: It can be broken down into two aspects: financial success and more holistic success. For the past ten years, I have turned to my art to help me overcome trauma, heartbreak, grief, pain, and suffering. When I feel like my safety is threatened, I reimagine a situation where I was safe, where I had power, or where I said something I wish I had said. Success to me is being able to go through this process. I release that sadness by turning it into art. When I let it go, it's no longer mine. I am freeing myself from all adversity. Success to me means moving past the pain.
NS: So it's very tied to your personal growth.
SB: That's right. I sat in pain and allowed myself to feel what I needed to do to heal. And I made art out of it. To me, that's success. I believe the universe rewards those who do the work. Financial success means being able to monetize your art. Since going independent in 2018, I have sold between 1,000 and 8,000 copies of his prints per series, on a sliding scale to allow people to pay what they can afford. People often pay the most, which can be very rewarding. They support the work and want to support me.
NS: Do you remember the first product you sold?
SB: Oddly enough, it was at my high school graduation. The first work I sold was a painting I made for an exhibition with other art students. My school bought my painting to hang in the reception area and it was a really nice touch. It also helped me financially because I was planning to go to university.
NS: How do you balance commercial success with artistic integrity?
SB: I only shoot once or twice a year. I haven't picked up a camera for a photo series since 2021's “Fool Me Twice.” Since then, he has produced two short films and appeared in several commercials. You don't want to succumb to the pressure of creating content and delivering three videos every day just to keep your brand alive. I don't have the strength or energy for that because my art is sacred and a process that should not be rushed for “content”.
“Bonjour, Bitch” by Sarah Barber
NS: How has the perception of the value of art evolved since the digital age?
SB: I consider myself a traditional artist who uses digital platforms to showcase my art, and this has been a huge benefit to my career. I'm thankful for platforms like Instagram, but it's so much easier to create something and put it out there these days.
Still, creating something unique and relatable is difficult. You don't see that every day. Artists who create something special break through all the noise and content. I could post content every day to maintain my online presence, but I'd much rather focus on one or two big things that will blow people's minds. .
NS: Do you think technology is changing art?
SB: Attention spans are getting shorter. Art will need to attract people more quickly. Hooks have to be much faster than before, completely changing the way content is consumed. You have to figure out how to change something every second to keep people paying attention and consuming. It would certainly be more shaky storytelling. The situation has already changed, and it will continue to change further. Technological advances like AI can be great tools for brainstorming and research, but they should not and cannot replace art and creativity unless we find a way to give it soul. I can't even do that.
“Sex and Takeout” by Sarah Barber
NS: Your unique style has garnered you a huge following and has inspired many artists, some of whom often imitate your work. How do you walk the fine line between influence and imitation, and what do you think about originality online?
SB: I often see works similar to mine, which makes me very happy. However, I have been doing this job for 10 years. Many people may only recognize my work through others who have been influenced by my work. As a result, the original source can fade over time. Those who are unfamiliar with my work may question my claims without understanding the context and history where my art began.
With 2014's “Sex and Take Out”, to my knowledge, no one before me had combined these two subjects into an exclusive photo series. That was my job, and it led to my work being internationally recognized and exhibited in galleries. That same year, the brand was recreating my image: pose for pose, prop for prop, bed for bed. Some people might say it should be taken as a compliment, but it felt more like intellectual property theft. What they are reproducing is my work. It's not emulation. It's a duplicate. And I think that's where the line is drawn.
NS: I loved “Sex and Takeout.” How do you hope this work contributes to the larger conversation about women's sexuality?
SB: As an Arab woman from a strict family where sex was taboo and I wasn't even allowed to use tampons, there was a lot of confusion, guilt, and shame when it came to my sexuality and liberation. Moving was a turning point. “Sex and Takeout” was my way of working through the guilt and shame of losing my virginity and suffering from an eating disorder. It created a safe space to express parts of myself that I was having trouble navigating.
NS: What responsibility, if any, do artists have to address global issues through their work?
SB: Each artist has to navigate how to use their voice. It is important to make your own decisions without giving in to social pressure. But as a Palestinian who witnessed the genocide, I feel it is my responsibility to use my platform to raise awareness for those who don't have a platform. I have been speaking out about the occupation in Palestine for years, a choice that aligns with my identity. I also believe in empowering each individual to continue their advocacy journey without judgment. We don't know what conversations they have or what actions they take beyond public platforms.
sarah barber
NS: Does your significant following on Instagram influence your art?
SB: If I try to live up to my audience's expectations too much, I undermine the authenticity of my art, which is an extension of my storytelling. I believe in staying true to myself and that my openness and vulnerability resonates with those who deserve it.
NS: What advice would you give to young artists looking to hone their craft?
SB: I emphasize the importance of self-reflection. Step away from distractions, spend time with your thoughts, and explore your emotions deeply. This process will help you discover and express your story in an authentic and impactful way. Repeat daily until vision is clear. Then, once you have decided on your vision, it is time to decide on execution. Is it a photo series, a short film, a feature film or a poem? I always encourage young creators to be still and eliminate all distractions. The last thing you want to do is create a story based on what other people want to see, rather than the story you want to tell.
