Michael Barnes is fascinated with narratives that evolve naturally from the subconscious and which unfold as he creates his images. The images exist, therefore, as reactions to or reflections of the world and events that take place around him. His imagery often poses psychological dilemmas and create mysteries that challenge to viewer to interpret and perhaps solve.

Barnes received his MFA from the University of Iowa. He is an Associate Professor of Art and is the Printmaking Area Head for the School of Art at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL.