BIOGRAPHY Alexander Brown creates monolithic symbols that transcend classifications of geography and philosophy of art. His work is thoughtfully conceived and beautifully executed. At the same time, it speaks clearly to people from all walks of life, because it conveys universal ideas of nature, time, and repose. The pristine curves and solid proportions of his ageless sculptures provide a refuge for the spirit. The symbolism is new yet familiar, stating its internal truth in a believable voice. Educated in the great movements of modern art, Brown acknowledges the importance of certain mileposts in twentieth century sculpture: the abstract work of David Smith and Henry Moore, and especially the ancient Oriental esthetic of Isamu Noguchi. Above and beyond the essential grammar of these influences, however, his ideas are expressed by means of his own extensive language of form. Alexander Brown’s sculptures exert a quiet but commanding presence that draws equally from East and West. "Twentieth century abstract sculpture has given us an exposure to a mix of elements that we never had before," he says. "The Japanese concept of shibui, for instance, is a language few artists have discovered or used, although it belongs to all of us." A close look at Brown’s work reveals the influence of the shibui esthetic, which combines sumptuous detail with simplicity, luxury with understatement, and delicate pattern with the patina of centuries. Alexander Brown’s work is based on the language of elementals - circle and square, rectangle and disc, intersecting arcs and organic symmetry. Brown incorporates ancient Eastern influences with the intelligence of contemporary Western art. The result is a long series of perfectly balanced meditations in steel and stone. While good work speaks for itself, the work is a conjunction of prayer, thought, intuition, and perserverance. EXHIBITIONS 2005 — Crossroads Contemporary, Santa Fe,
NM 1994 — "Sculpture Santa Fe," Greer
Garson Theater Gallery, College of Santa Fe 1993 — "6th Annual Shrine Show," Copeland
Rutherford Gallery, Santa Fe, NM 1991 — "Daoist project," Spirits Arts Gallery, Santa Fe, NM 1990 — Galisteo Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1986 — Art Beaseley Gallery, San Diego, CA 1984 — "Space X," Armory for the
Arts, Santa Fe, NM 1983 —"Sketchi," Santa Fe, NM 1981 — "Contemporary Ironworkers," Armory
for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM |