James Robert Brown, 'Reverie I-V'

About

Large scale photographs by gifted young lens-based artist James Brown's Reverie series represents his continuing interest in liminal, illusory states and the strategic use of symmetry to evoke ideas of other-worldliness. The photographs capture that sense of strangeness which occasionally and unexpectedly emerges from the commonplace, one that detaches us from ordinary experience to make possible other understandings of the world. A precedent for these large-scale images can be found among his earlier series of Nepalese landscapes. These were digitally manipulated to enhance the symmetry of the scene, creating enchanting vistas of magical realism. But the Reverie images have not been altered. Familiar, recognizable scenes draw us in, and then unsettle us through their curious perfection and timelessness. In setting up a tension between a bleak, harsh reality and a dream-like, poetic beauty, Brown leaves the viewer with questions and a choice of enigmatic narratives. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES James Robert Brown (b. 1986) studied Contemporary Media Practice at the University of Westminster, graduating in 2011. A film-maker and photographer, he has directed music videos, worked for Fashion and Style magazines and exhibited his work at London Gallery West and Notting Hill Arts Club (2010) and Mayson & Taylor (2011). He was winner of the 10 Gales Art Prize in 2011. Brown's Reverie series of photographs were taken during a recent visit to Belgrade where he led photography workshops for the charity RPOINT. Marsden Woo Project Space is curated by Tessa Peters and runs alongside our programme of solo and small group exhibitions by gallery artists. The Project Space allows us to respond quickly to significant bodies of innovative work and showcases the work of talented emerging artists and designers and fresh directions in the work of more established artists. The exhibitions are organized at short notice, so please check our website regularly for news on forthcoming shows and events. For more information, images, or to arrange an interview with the artist please contact Alida Sayer or Rachael Crabtree: Tel: 020 7336 6396 Email: press@marsdenwoo.com