Seventh-day Adventist sculptor Donald Brown has unveiled four pieces of his work at an exhibition in City Hall, London, marking the launch of Black History Month.
Seventh-day Adventist sculptor Donald Brown has unveiled four pieces of his work at an exhibition in City Hall, London, marking the launch of Black History Month. The exhibition of Afro-centric art was the main visual attraction at the October 1 event, which was hosted by Mayor of London, Ken Livingston.
Black History Month is a key educational and cultural program in London’s calendar. In a speech to the several hundred invited guests, the mayor pointed out that collectively ethnic minorities now formed a majority of London’s population and played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the city. “Black History Month ... is an opportunity to raise awareness and document, as well as celebrate, the overlooked heritage of black and Asian communities within society,” he said.
The centerpiece of Brown’s exhibition was a bonded bronze sculpture entitled “The Millennium Monument.” It features a man striding across the world, lifting up the entire continent of Africa along with America, Japan, and Great Britain. According to the artist, these countries represent the four corners of the earth, and symbolize peace rising above war and terror, rebuilding where destruction has occurred, healing where suffering has brought pain, and renewed belief when hope has gone.
Donald Brown discovered his artistic talents early in life, attracting national television and media attention for his sculptures at the age of 14. In the spring of 2003, the largest African American-owned art gallery in the United States will be opened in New Orleans, Louisiana, and will be named “The Donald Brown International Art Gallery,” in honor of his works, concepts, and philosophies.
In a video interview for Adventist NewsLine—Adventist Television Network’s new weekly newscast—Brown cited his upbringing in an Adventist environment as one of the influences which has shaped his approach to art and sculpture. “I try to create works of art that elevate, empower, educate and motivate people,” he said. “My religious background certainly has an influence in my work.” In a message to other aspiring artists and particularly young people, he added, “As a Seventh-day Adventist, if you stay focused, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”
Brown laments the fact that sculpture as an art form is not yet as acceptable in Adventist circles as it could be, but he says he looks forward to the day when the visual arts will be a powerful force in the witness of the church.
For pictures of some of Brown’s sculptures, as well as more information about his work, visit his Web site at: www.dbart.org.