Renowned British painter Glenn Brown has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art by merging Surrealism, Photorealism, and historical references into a unique visual language. Born in 1966 in a small mining village in northern England, Brown grew up surrounded by literature and music rather than visual arts. His work is celebrated for its meticulous detail, complex appropriations, and evocative distortions that invite viewers to question the meaning of art and originality.

The Early Foundations of Creativity

Brown’s formative years were marked by a love of books and music, fostered by his parents in rural Norfolk. He recalls his unexpected introduction to visual art through pop music:

“My first introduction to Henri Fantin-Latour’s paintings was by an album cover designed by Peter Saville for New Order.”

Programs from the Open University further expanded his education in art and film, giving him a rich cultural foundation before he ever set foot in an art college.

At art school, Brown’s education varied from academic life drawing to modernist theories of color and abstraction. He was influenced by the German and American art movements of the 1980s, including Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke, both of whom shaped his approach to the “death of painting.” As Brown explains:

“You build upon tradition, you play with it, and you break it whenever you want to.”

Painting in a Mediated World

Brown’s career has been deeply influenced by the concept of appropriation, drawing inspiration from artists like Sherrie Levine and Salvador Dalí. He reflects on the process of reinterpreting images:

“I loved Sherrie Levine’s photographs… where you become dizzy because you don’t know what to look at.”

This fascination led to his unique practice of creating “paintings of paintings,” using mediated images as his subject. His work bridges the gap between Photorealism and Surrealism, as seen in his pieces based on Dalí and science fiction illustrator Chris Foss. Brown notes:

“The idea of making photorealist paintings of photorealist paintings… seemed so mind-numbingly boring that I couldn’t bear to do it.”

Instead, he introduces distortions and layers that amplify fantasy and escapism.

A Dialogue Between Paintings – In the Altogether

For his exhibition In the Altogether, presented at Galerie Max Hetzler in Paris, Brown created a series of interconnected works over two years. He explains:

“Nothing was finished, but all the paintings were started, and they were all talking to each other.”

The paintings feature vibrant colors, dynamic contrasts, and intricate glazing techniques that add depth and complexity. For instance, Brown uses Indian yellow—a pigment derived from ox urine—to create unique tones:

“You apply this yellow over the top of a blue, and it turns this very peculiar green.”

One standout piece, The Untitled, is based on an Albrecht Dürer drawing. Brown manipulates the figure to blur gender distinctions, explaining:

“In my mind, it’s both Christ and Mary at the same time.”

The work includes a blank rectangle at the bottom, inviting viewers to title the piece themselves, an interactive gesture that encourages personal interpretation.

Humor, Depth, and the Role of Titles

Brown’s use of humor is central to his work, influenced by the deadpan wit of Marcel Duchamp. Titles like Dirty Little Seahorses and When the Satellite Sings are meant to provoke both laughter and deeper reflection. He describes the importance of titles:

“The title of a work is like adding an invisible color to the painting.”

Through this playful yet intellectual approach, Brown invites viewers to engage with his art on multiple levels, finding meaning and amusement in equal measure.

Glenn Brown’s Artistic Vision

With In the Altogether, Glenn Brown continues to push the boundaries of painting by combining meticulous technique with rich cultural references. His work reimagines the history of art while challenging viewers to question their perceptions. Whether through surreal landscapes or appropriated brushstrokes, Brown’s paintings create a dialogue between the past and present, offering a thought-provoking and playful exploration of humanity and creativity.