BROOKLYN, NY – 440 Gallery is pleased to present Two Truths and a Lie, a solo exhibition of abstract watercolors on paper by Amanda Michele Brown, on view January 5 – February 5, 2023.
Employing broad areas of color overlaid with mixed-media mark-making, Brown explores themes that originate from a personal narrative. Identity, memory, and introspection become essential to the artist’s involvement with emotions and structures that are etched into each painting.
Contradictions that craft a personal story are represented by visual devices such as amorphous watercolor washes, geometric detailing, and gutsy gestural marks. As Brown says, “I wanted these abstract works on paper to invite the viewer into their own imagined world: a place built of reflections, experiences, and memories that are both real and contrived. Colors and layers reveal clues to feelings and truths.”
Each painting begins as a series of organic shapes of vivid pigment. From there, detailed, geometric marks are drawn on as a counter-point to the loosely-pooled surface of the watercolor. Every unique mark forms a visual language and creates a structure of unruly forms that represent to Brown the stories that are drafted to maintain a sense of self. The free-flowing marks break through the carefully constructed boundaries, reminding us that no story is the perfect truth.
This is the first showing at 440 Gallery for Amanda Michele Brown. Brown is currently the Gallery Director for the gallery. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Wisconsin, Brown received a BA in Arts Management and a BFA in 2-D Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She has exhibited at many venues, including Trestle Gallery, in Brooklyn; the Janet Turner Print Museum, in Chico, California; the Creede Arts Council, in Creede, Colarado; and the Edna Carlsten Gallery in Wisconsin. Brown’s work is in several private collections, including Sotheby’s International Realty, London. In August 2022, at 440 Gallery, Brown curated the Body Politic group show of figural works by emerging artists. A truly local artist, she lives in Gowanus with her partner and dog.
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 7, 4-6 pm
About 440 Gallery: 440 Gallery presents engaging art to the community through exhibitions, talks, readings and events centered around direct contact with the artist. Open Thursday, Friday 4-7pm, Saturday, Sunday 12-6pm, or by appointment. 440 Gallery is in Park Slope, convenient to the F, M, and R subways.
More information: 440gallery.com
