Southern EXPOSURES
Brian J. Brown
Citations
Abstract
Southern EXPOSURES is an exhibition that features sculptural works I have created to express the conflicting beliefs, emotions, and anxieties I faced as a Black child in a small town in North Carolina. I utilize reclaimed materials such as repurposed wood and doors, lighting elements, and components from police vehicles to craft impactful visual pieces connected to my childhood recollections. I integrate these materials in the sculptures to represent the places, people, and formative experiences that continue to resonate with me and influence my emotional state. Reflecting on my adolescence in my art practice is both challenging and rewarding. I strive to express appreciation and respect for my background while recognizing its lingering adverse effects. In these carefully designed sculptures, I utilize focused lighting to reveal and conceal elements, encouraging viewers to reflect on their perceptions of cultural and religious symbols and the significance they hold in their lives.
