James Brown was born in 1951 in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. His artistic journey began with studying painting and printmaking at Immaculate Heart College in Hollywood, after which he pursued higher education at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, graduating in 1974. The years that followed were spent living and creating in the magnificent city of Paris.
In 1978, Brown’s talent was recognized with his first solo exhibition at the esteemed Gemeentemuseum in Arnheim, Netherlands, as well as a solo show at the renowned Christiane and Eric Germain Gallery in Paris. The following year saw Brown relocate to the artistic hub of New York City, where he joined forces with fellow creatives of the budding Neo-Expressionism movement, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Julian Schnabel. His works were showcased at the esteemed Shafrazi Gallery and Leo Castelli Gallery in New York, as well as the Lucio Amelio Gallery in Naples.
Although best known for his abstract paintings, Brown’s artistic pursuits were far from limited. He explored and experimented with various techniques, including ceramics, bronze, textiles, and printmaking. In 1995, he moved to Mexico with his young family, continuing to create and inspire in his new environment.
In the year 2000, Brown and his wife Alexandra established Carpe Diem Press in Oaxaca, collaborating with renowned artists and writers to produce limited-edition artist books and prints. His works have been showcased in numerous American and European museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Oaxaca and the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. They are also featured in esteemed private and public collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum, and the Whitney Museum in New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, the Contemporary Art Centre of Malaga in Spain, and the Tamayo Museum in Mexico City. Sadly, Brown passed away in February 2020, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and awe.
www.ftn-books.com has several James Brown publications now available.
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