COLIN BROWN - THE 9TH LAKE - REVISED
Brown is a native New Yorker who grew up in the creative playground that only NYC can provide. The energy and pulse that keeps New York moving produces talented creatives in all areas of the arts by the year, decade, and century. The 23rd story view from his parent's apartment was more than a passive inspiration for Brown as a child and clearly in his adulthood and ultimately his work.
The time consuming process involved in creating these unique works of art that Brown calls "Blackboards" is painstaking.
COLIN BROWN - HOUSE OF THE MORNING STARFirst, Brown applies a white under surface on a panel and then applies the black layers of dusted nickel, carbon, and charcoal powder. It is with a jeweler's tool that brown removes tiny bits of black again and again, creating the illusion of light. These works first appear to be night photographs, which by themselves would be desirable enough to purchase. Once you realize the level of detail and craft involved, it really takes the work to another level completely.
Selva Oscura or Dark Forrest was the title aptly chosen for this show that has an interesting balance of darkness and light. The reference of course, to Dante and his masterpiece - The Divine Comedy. After all, New York has long been the place of great extremes - both magical and maniacal!
I promise you will not find another artist today, in any gallery showing, that has such finely crafted works of art with this level of sophistication.
The show runs through May 21st and you can contact the gallery by clicking - BROWN BLACKBOARDS at FISCHBACH.
Fischbach Gallery is located at 210 11th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets.