Bari-Lynn Friedlander: Transforming Pain into Purpose Through Art

Bari-Lynn Friedlander’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of art. Born in Connecticut and now based in Miami, Bari’s path has been anything but easy. From a young age, she found solace in painting—a form of therapy that helped her navigate the emotional turmoil of an unstable home during her parents’ divorce leading to her struggles with depression and anxiety. At times, she felt like giving up, but art became her saving grace, pulling her from the darkness and guiding her toward a brighter future.

From 2015 to 2019, Bari focused on the fashion industry, eventually securing a high-end corporate job at LVMH. However, the artistic spark within her remained unfulfilled. At the end of 2019 she moved to Palm Beach, where she spent a year living on her mother’s couch to pursue her dreams of being in the arts – a period she describes as the catalyst for her true calling. When COVID-19 hit, she was managing an art gallery in Palm Beach where she learned the ins and outs of selling art and began posting her art on Instagram. When selling her artworks on Instagram turned into a business she could live from, she took a leap of faith and committed herself to art full-time. She opened an art studio on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach and soon began taking over the Palm Beach art market with shows, participating in local fairs, NFTs and soon even in Miami Art Week.

Now, three years into showcasing her work during Art Basel, Bari has firmly established herself in the art world. Her style, rooted in cubism, reflects unity and connection—two elements she holds close to her heart. For Bari, cubism represents harmony, and happiness is the essence of her work. Inspired by greats like George Condo and the late Picasso, her paintings serve as a beacon of hope and togetherness.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Bari is a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice. She has created artwork supporting the LGBTQ+ community, several pieces dedicated to Israel and the IDF, and was named Artist in Residence for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), as well as participating with several brands for collaborations and activations. Her philanthropic spirit extends to teaching children with special needs through the Friendship Circle, collaborating with Basel Buddies to uplift underprivileged youth, and leading painting activities for corporate summits aimed at alleviating workplace anxiety.

Bari’s art is more than just a visual experience—it is a message of friendship, a reminder that no one is ever truly alone. Looking ahead, her biggest dream is to have a family of her own, to create a home filled with love and protection, and share the coping tools that she learned to use during her hardest of times with her friends, family, and following. She aspires to use her talent to bring light to others, with suicide prevention being a cause she deeply wishes to support through her work.

To those who may be struggling, Bari’s journey is proof that even in the darkest moments, a brighter future awaits. As she would say: If anyone is experiencing darkness, you have no idea how bright the future is.