Backlar’s interest in Tribal Art began as an undergraduate at UCLA, where a course taught by the renowned African art historian Professor Arnold Rubin inspired him to change his academic path. He earned a B.A. in Art History in 1989, focusing on the arts of non-Western cultures, and later completed a Master of Business Administration. His academic foundation, combining art historical study with strategic business acumen, continues to inform his nuanced, research-driven approach to the market.

In 1991, Backlar joined Sotheby’s in Beverly Hills and quickly became the West Coast liaison for Tribal Art. In that role, he cultivated relationships with many of Southern California’s most respected collectors, including Jay Last, Ed and Cheri Silver, Saul and Marsha Stanoff, The Stendhal Gallery, and Leon and Fern Wallace. These early partnerships shaped his commitment to thoughtful, long-term advising and deepened his understanding of the needs of both private and institutional clients.

In 2009, Backlar was appointed International Director of the African, Oceanic & Pre-Columbian Art Department at Bonhams. Over his fifteen-year tenure, he produced more than forty-five sales and played a pivotal role in elevating the department to one of the top-performing in the field. He oversaw the consignment, research, cataloguing, and sale of important collections, helping position Bonhams as a serious force in the global Tribal Art market.

Today, Backlar works independently with a global clientele, offering personalized guidance across all aspects of Tribal Art collecting. He assists in building cohesive, meaningful collections; advises on acquisitions and sales through both private channels and public auction; and provides professional appraisals, conservation referrals, and independent assessments of authenticity. He is also a trusted resource for institutions seeking to strengthen or reassess their collections through thoughtful deaccessioning, targeted acquisitions, and historical contextualization.

Backlar is known not only for his scholarly eye, but also for his collaborative, ethical approach. He understands the complexity of the market—and the responsibility that comes with representing culturally significant material. His mission is to help clients navigate this space with insight, sensitivity, and a long-term view toward legacy and stewardship.

He currently serves as a Tribal Arts appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, where he shares his expertise with a broader public audience, helping to promote awareness, accessibility, and respect for the field.