Northern Irish artist Gregory Brown, known professionally as Gregory B, creates vibrant, large-format painted tapestries that transform spaces with their bold simplicity and dynamic presence. Inspired initially by the historical banners that adorn the châteaux of the Dordogne, Brown’s work brings a modern, playful twist to traditional forms, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.
Brown’s approach to integrating his art into interior spaces is both thoughtful and strategic. “I work solely on large-format art, therefore room size – or rather wall size – is paramount when it comes to integrating my art within a space. It needs to have the space to breathe while still being the focal point of a room,” he explains. The vibrant colour palettes and striking compositions of his tapestries make them versatile additions to various interiors, effortlessly complementing subtle colour details within a room.
Brown recently moved to Argeles Sur Mer, and his time in the Dordogne left an indelible mark on his work. “It was the influence of these castles that initially formed the basis of the form of art that I wanted to explore,” he reflects. The large, loose-hanging embroidered tapestries with their gold threads and vibrant imagery captivated him, not just with their visual appeal but also their dynamic presence. The way these tapestries respond to light and movement within a room inspired Brown to create art that evokes a similar sense of liveliness and interaction with its environment.
Brown’s work caught the eye of Donald Glover’s creative team for his new project, Gilga, in Ojai, California. Although Brown modestly admits he doesn’t know much about the project beyond what he has read, his painted tapestries were chosen to adorn the renovated villas on the farm. “There are live performance spaces, recording studios, editing suites, a fully functioning farm with animals and orchard… really pretty much every tool needed for creatives (and fruit) to grow,” he shares. While Gilga is not yet open, Brown is eager for guests to experience his work within these thoughtfully designed spaces.
One of the distinctive features of Brown’s tapestries is their creation on raw, unstretched canvas. This choice adds a unique texture and presence to his work, enhancing its organic, earthy appeal. “Most artists will usually paint on a primed canvas, but I just love the way the paint goes on the raw surface and the texture it gives,” he says. Although this method requires more paint as it soaks into the canvas, the resulting matte finish and the vibrant contrast of neon colours create a striking visual impact.
Despite his global clientele, Brown remains steadfast in his artistic integrity, creating pieces that resonate universally while staying true to his vision. “I never paint with my audience in mind. I just paint for me and me only,” he says. This honest, self-driven approach allows him to explore new directions without the burden of external expectations. “At the end of the day, like any creative process, no matter what you do, some people will love it, some will like it and others will hate it. And that’s okay because it’s this personal subjective preference that allows artists like me to exist and grow.”
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