Work by Monica Brown

Long time volunteer and early exhibitor
in the "Art of the T-shirt."

All copyrights for the art on this page are owned by the artist, Monica Brown.

11 by Monica Brown
........ /?-} ....... Chicago Artist

12 by Monica Brown
............. /?-} .......... African American Artists

13 by Monica Brown
...................... /?-} ..................... fine Artist

14 by Monica Brown
......................... /?-} .......................... fine oils

15 by Monica Brown
................................... /?-} ............................... Chicago art

16 by Monica Brown
........................... /?-} ......................... Chicago artists

17 by Monica Brown
................ /?-} ........... Ancestrial masks

18 by Monica Brown
...................... /?-} ..................... African masks

THE CYCLE AND THE SEARCH

My paintings are a conversation between the canvas and my spirit. Through an exploration of symbolism, concept, and color I communicate my experiences, beliefs, and dreams. The beauty and mystery of nature inspire me. Defining my spirituality outside the limitations of patriarchal religious ideology is also a goal.

The legacy of African-Americans is very rich. Though severed from our African roots and culture, we remain connected to the strength, wisdom, spirit and perseverance of our people by the blood that runs through our veins. The "Ancestors" paintings are a colorful homage to those that have gone before and helped to pave the way for future generations.

One color that seems to bring itself to all of my paintings is a bright red/orange. It is the color that can be seen while looking at the sun with your eyes closed. It brings to mind warmth and protection, the vibe of the womb.

The sun, life-sustaining source of energy and center of the universe, is an integral image in my paintings. It is representative of all that is light and life inspiring. Another recurring symbol in my artwork is the spiral. It represents growth and transition as in nature's seasons and cycles of rebirth: the rising and setting of the sun, the phases of the moon, an embryo, the year rings on a tree - the infinite cycle of creation.

Monica J. Brown

Biography

Originally from Kewanee, IL, Monica Brown now resides in Chicago where she has had numerous exhibits. Her interest in art manifested itself at a very young age. Encouraged by her parents and high school art teacher, she decided to pursue a degree in art. She moved from Kewanee to Los Angeles after high school, where she earned a BFA degree from Otis School of Art and Design.

She works in acrylics and mixed media on canvas and wood. She also creates pen & ink, and charcoal & graphite drawings on paper. The artwork is created in a collage of styles with some portions being somewhat representational and often figurative, while others are abstracted or stylized.

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Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center (UM-CAC). E-mail UM-CAC at umcac@art-teez.org Ph.773/561-7676