The Artistic Evolution of Colin Brown
Born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1962, Colin Brown is a British painter and collage artist currently based in Stonehaven, Scotland. His formal training began at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, where he earned a B.A. Honours Degree in Fine Art (Painting) in 1986, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Fine Art (Painting) in 1987. During his studies, he was awarded the 1987 John Kinross Scholarship by the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, which allowed him to study in Florence, Italy. His professional journey has taken him from establishing a studio in Glasgow to working in Düsseldorf, Germany, for four years, before he eventually settled in northeast Scotland.
Brown's practice is characterized by a unique style of painting that incorporates elements of collage. His technique involves combining cut-out fragments of printed matter with paint, drawing, and scraps of writing, often abrading the surface to create a multi-layered effect reminiscent of weathered posters or graffiti. His work has been recognized internationally, including receiving a Pollock-Krasner Award from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, New York, in 1996. His pieces have been exhibited in locations such as Hanover, Germany, London, Singapore, and various sites across Scotland.
Themes and Collections
The thematic focus of Brown's work has undergone significant shifts over the decades. His 2019 series, A Love Letter to Europe, utilized materials gathered from various urban environments to pay homage to specific European cities. Following the 2020 lockdown, his work transitioned from urban subject matter toward the natural world with the In Bloom series, which began as a homage to the 18th-century Belgian botanical artist Pierre-Joseph Redouté. This series, also referred to as Altered Redouté, moved organic imagery from the periphery to the center of his compositions.
His work is held in several public collections, including:
