Abstracting the Abstract – Paintings by British Artist Julian Brown

Abstract art challenges our senses and offer a sense of discomfort or it can invite us in with a sense of warmth. Brown’s art does a bit of both. His warm, tropical colors are inviting, adding a vibrancy to any room. At the same time, Julian makes us question his work causing us to dig deeply into our own subconscious; and his.

Brown is an artist who lives and works in London and Brighton, England. His work is influenced by folk art as well as a sense of childhood idealism. He uses handmade geometric symbols to explore the balance between order and chaos, structure and collapse, expression and control.

His “When We Were Young” acrylic piece is one that stands out due to its use of bright pastel tones against a darker background. His shapes can be described as leaflike and the overall picture is reminiscent of a tropical garden. However, the deeper reds and blacks he uses hint that there is a darker element involved.

“The Crossing” is another stand out painting by Brown. Here, his semi-circular shapes look like colorful rowboats floating along a stream. The bright hues make for a childlike image, but the title of the painting makes one contemplate crossing through the waters, an experience that would be nothing short of chaotic.

“Monofauna” is also worth exploration. This painting stands out as being more muted than the others. The background consists of hazy purple criss-crosses overrun by a swirl that could be a cloud, or based on the title of the painting, a rather unusually shaped flower. The piece’s background plays against the chaotic swirl to give us the notion that all may not be what it seems.

Brown’s paintings have a distinct modern look that plays well in contemporary settings. However, their vibrant colors will be a much-needed pick me up that goes well with various decors. They are thoughtful explorations of a childlike world and darker images that may be lurking beneath.

julianbrownart.co.uk