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Alex Brown's puzzle-like oil paintings
are illusionary wonders. They are works of art that always
spark instant questions and conversation. His landscapes and head
shots are elaborate, pixilated mosaics that use a
limitless color palette. Brown's brushstrokes create geometric
patterns in the shape of triangles, ovals, or squares in
precise increments. The result creates an image that's not
unlike the distorted reflection from a turned-off television or a
kaleidoscope.
Working from photographs found in his own personal
files, postcards, newspaper clippings, travel brochures
and photos culled from the Internet, Brown waits for an
image to strike a chord of interest within him and then paints it.
His method of painting is meticulous and follows a rigid system.
First, he chooses the image. Then, Brown lays down a proper-sized
grid in relation to the scale of the image he is using. He then
transfers this to the canvas, finds a motif that will work well and
begins painting from the upper left corner to the lower right
corner. Brown does not work with any sort of preliminary sketches or
drawings. He instead enjoys the physical composition
of the works as they evolve.
Another optical trick that Alex uses in his work in
addition to his geometric grids is the principle of utilizing
various other images throughout the original source image. In other
words, in his less rigid works, one can often find smaller
representations within the larger abstract composition. This
challenges the viewer, drawing them into a game that can present
endless possibilities. Can you find the the pink bird in the lower
left corner in Poppies, below? There are at least
three standing figures in Birdland, seen here
underneath Poppies.
The titles of Brown's works are clues which again
seduce the observer into a guessing game. They identify the broader
composition as well as smaller images found throughout the piece.
They can be construed as seeds of information about each painting,
providing an entrance into the work.
Being able to contemplate Brown's paintings from a
distance as well as up close is very important in order to take in
every detail meant for the viewer. As Brown puts it, "you can't see
a painting with your nose against it."
[Take a few steps back from your computer while
reading this newsletter or squint your eyes to get a similar
perspective.]
Alex Brown was born in 1966 in Des Moines, Iowa where
he lives and works today. His work can be seen in New York as
well as in an upcoming show taking place in Switzerland this
Spring.
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| availability of work
There is available work by Alex Brown that can be
viewed in New York. The pieces vary in size and subject matter. The
smallest work measures approximately 30" x 24". One of the
larger canvases is sized at 90" x
60". |
pricing
Prices for Alex's work range between $5,500 and
$60,000.
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| tag-arts website
Check out our list of services, past
newsletters, and art we have purchased at www.tag-arts.com. |
Tag-arts
offers art advisory services for private collectors primarily
interested in contemporary emerging and mid-career artists.
Tag-arts also works with corporate clients to develop or enrich
commercial spaces, including hotels, restaurants and offices. If you
have further interest in tag-arts or Alex Brown's work, please
contact Emily Greenspan via email at emilygreenspan@tag-arts.com
or by phone at 212.920.4146 or find us at www.tag-arts.com. To
view previous tag-arts artist profiles and
newsletters, please click on our archive. | |