Julian Brown United Kingdom

"The imagery in my work is very heavily influenced by nostalgic visions of the 1980’s and the folk art from my mother Polish heritage. Both of these worlds have a handmade geometric quality that has a playful and primitive relevance to the world we now live in.I try to explore this ‘clunkiness’ with tactile images that sit somewhere between order and chaos, structure and collapse, expression and control." —Julian Brown

Julian Brown, born in 1974 in Oxford, England, now based in London and Brighton, is renowned for his geo-abstract paintings that blend a vibrant 1980s aesthetic with the folk art of his Polish heritage. Influenced by the handmade geometric qualities of Wycinanki paper cut-outs and nostalgic visions, his work explores themes of order versus chaos and structure versus collapse.

Brown's compositions feature motifs such as floating boats, crescent moons, and falling leaves, anchored by a predetermined grid that guides his intuitive process. His paintings are dynamic visual kaleidoscopes, where color and form interact to evoke emotions and narratives.

Exhibiting nationally and internationally, Brown has showcased his work at prestigious venues including the Royal Academy of Arts London, and the National Museum of Gdansk, Poland. He has been selected for notable exhibitions such as the John Moores Painting Prize and the Marmite Prize.

Through layers of transparent paint and experimental techniques, Brown creates tactile, multilayered surfaces that capture the spontaneity and complexity of his artistic exploration. His practice reflects a deep-seated connection to both personal history and artistic lineage, inviting viewers to experience the joy of discovery and tactile exploration inherent in his process.