Tripp Derrick Barnes was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised as a true southern gentleman. While attending Savannah College of Art and Design, Tripp discovered his true passion as he completed a Life Drawing class requirement. After graduation Tripp traveled the globe, visiting over 16 countries across 4 continents. He studied culture, worked with locals, and helped impoverished children. The entire experience readied him for his next adventure: life in The Big Apple. In 2012, Tripp moved to New York City to work on films such as “The Dark Knight” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. ” While working in the entertainment industry, Tripp continued to pursue visual arts. In early 2013, Tripp found himself living on the Upper West Side next door to Steven Swancoat, an OB/GYN by day and painter by night. Upon seeing Swancoat’s paintings, Tripp was inspired to completely return to his fine art roots, leaving behind the commercial and film production industry. The two began working collaboratively and influencing each other’s styles. Together they coined the name "PopNeoism," meant to reference their combination of abstract expressionism and pop art aesthetics.
In the following years, Tripp continued to gather a large social group. Many of these individuals are actively involved in philanthropy and support Tripp in the goal to better the world through art. In July of 2014, Tripp and PopNeoism participated in their debut event at SPiN New York, an art show, ping-pong-a-thon, and charity fundraiser. Actress Susan Sarandon, co-owner of the venue and fan of PopNeoism, donated the entire space for the evening.
Tripp's work and audience have been expanding at an ever-increasing rate. He has been featured on Good Morning America, Project Runway and starred in 5 episodes of Bravo’s “The Singles Project.” He has completed personal portraits for celebrities including Matthew McConaughey, Drew Brees, Susan Sarandon, Andy Cohen and rap artist Wakka Flakka.
