Aleathia Brown:

One Year Later

a talk about surrender in creative work

For artist, Aleathia Brown, creativity is more than a way to share personal expression, it is a path of spirituality, a connection to God, a litmus test by which she gages her growth as a soul. Her vision is a poetic stream of realization that has been conceived by a lifetime of creative meditation, patience and internal strength.

Her art is expressed visually, verbally, in a variety of mediums, in performance and didactically in her teaching methodology, where she uses music, food and cues to calm students, encouraging them to take chances finding shapes and forms that are derived from within. And then to take action by using unfamiliar materials that produce surprising outcomes, thereby fostering new, and sometimes, surprising experiences.

Aleathia’s relationship to her work is an allegory for the potential creativity that we all have inside. For her, creativity is a natural response to the world around her; it is an unending flow of stimulus for her fertile mind. For most of us, the impulse is to desensitize ourselves to the constant stream of information in our lives, yet her practice allows her to draw inspiration from all sources, no matter how fast or slow. 

Her work is a complex language that describes her individuality, race, bodies, health and well-being, the importance of community, the poetry of paint, texture, color and the incessant belief in a life that is greater when connected to a larger place…

call it universe, or God.

Images from the 2020 exhibition “UNINTERRUPTED”: a Retrospective of the work of Aleathia Brown

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Artists are the healers we need in these difficult and isolating times. They help us find the inspiration we need to expand our senses. An expansion that fosters a connection that begins inside and embraces a compassionate outlook. First, for the self, then extended outward, toward others. It is unusual in our fast paced world to discuss art in these terms. Yet, no time has slowed us down like these times have. And no time has forced such a deep reckoning. Aleathia used the term “unraveling” to describe the kinds of truths that are being brought into our collective discourse. Her 50+ year career is a testament to the kind of commitment needed to produce that kind of self care and therefore care for human kind.

And on that note, her creativity becomes a shining example for the mission and vision of El Taller’s Grady Alexis Gallery. Aleathia’s work is well made. Her work is beautiful. The works express her culture. Her paintings and poetry are composed of compelling narratives. And they are many, because her ingenuity is full of mystery, criticism and love. Something that can only be achieved through far vision and the courage to surrender.

New Work by Aleathia Brown

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This program is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with, the City Council. Additional funding comes from the Jacob and Ruth Epstein Foundation and individual donations. 

We Thank You!