Barcode Journeys featured at Somerville Museum, Fall 2025.

A Somerville artist’s obsession with barcodes

If you are looking for a family outing everyone can enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend, don’t miss the final weeks of Barcode Journeys, a whimsical, contemplative, and easily accessible art exhibition, just around the corner at Somerville Museum (through December 6).

Curated by Somerville artist Barbara Jo, fourteen local and international artists explore the pervasiveness of barcodes in our daily lives—discovering the humor, awe, meaning, and aesthetics in our coexistence with barcodes, algorithms, and AI, ultimately asking what it means to stay human.

There is a little something for everyone of all ages here: a suite of stunning contemporary pieces exhibited in this charming 19th century building; the ‘ner forgotten history of the barcode on the Boston to Maine rail line and roots here MA; a delightful array of paper symbolgies; a Lego QR, breezy soft sculpture; the human DNA and Barcode of Life pieces bridge science and art; questioning textiles, dazzling ceramics, and ancient cultures reimagined.

Relax watching two contemplative barcode art videos, including footage at everyone’s favorite Somerville Market Basket; itchy hands can go Rip it Good; There’s innovative barcode jamming on video; and into the future components in the small gallery; stop at the Code Bar and enjoy a zine; oh, and don’t forget to look up … for the Quiet Zone. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll imagine, you’ll be inspired.

QR Lego, by Barbara Jo and Leo Fash, 2025.

What is your barcode journey?

We asked the exhibit curator, artist Barbara Jo. She started collecting barcodes because they annoyed her. After carting around that bag of codes for years, she started making art with them. One thread led to another to understanding more about their impact and underpinnings.

Laying her codes out and studying them allowed her to find meaning in the patterns, creating the meandering Glyph Poem, lively Codex, ironic Aloha, and wry Flight Delay. One is greeted by her bold Bars papier-mâché wall sculpture and soothed by collaborative videos. People also started sharing their barcode stories with her, and soon this themed art show emerged.

Jo says, “Barcodes are something that touch us all, modern-day hieroglyphs created to communicate with machines, now so pervasive we forget they are there. I wanted this exhibition to remind people not to lose sight of our humanity as technology becomes increasingly sophisticated.”

Evenings and weekends, Jo works out of her Milk Row studio next to Market Basket. After decades as an archaeological illustrator, her personal art explorations are important for self-expression. What is next?

“I’ve been painting an abstract series using oil on paper with handmade stencils. They are window-like, reflecting seasonal colors and emotions. I hope to exhibit them in 2026,” says Jo.

Reflecting on its impact, Jo says, “The Somerville Museum Community Curator experience has been intense and exhilarating for me. Working with so many talented people, family and friends, and sharing our amazement at overlapping interests and concepts has brought me great joy, confidence, and new insights. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and encourage others to take that step and support our vibrant community and the Somerville Museum.”

Participating Artists: Lesley Bannatyne, Lynn Cannici, Woolsey Cole Chesterman, Greg Duerhr, Lydia Fash, Nathan Fash, Janine Fay, Kyle Huffman, Barbara Jo, Olga Mesa, Elizabeth Pacini, Cindy Ramírez, Leddy R. Saenz, Charlie Warren, Sandra Wascher.

25% of the proceeds of Barcode Journeys’ artworks support the museum. Price list available at the reception desk. Small exhibition merchandise for sale.

Holiday hours: 11/28 Friday 2-5, 11/29 Sat 12–5

Reg hours: Thursday 2–7, Friday 2-5, Saturday 12–5

Closing reception Saturday, December 6, 5-6:30

Directions: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/gettinghere

Somerville Council for the Arts: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/aotm/2025/barbara-jo/

Barbara Jo’s website: https://barbarajocreates.com/