Early Life and Education
- Born: London, United Kingdom (1969)
- Parents: Novelist Shena Mackay and art critic David Sylvester
- Education:
- B-TEC Diploma in Art and Design from Epsom School of Art (1985–87)
- Drawing and Printmaking classes at Morley College, London (1987–89)
- BA Degree in Fine Arts from the Slade School of Art, London (1989–93)
- Early Career: Worked as a waitress and in an animation studio during her studies.
- Awards: First-prize recipient in the National Competition for British Art Students at Slade.
Artistic Development and Influences
- Move to New York: Relocated from London in 1995, seeking artistic independence.
- Influences: Brown's style is influenced by a diverse range of artists including:
- Francisco de Goya
- Willem de Kooning
- Francis Bacon
- Joan Mitchell
- Rubens
- Poussin
- Style: Combines figuration and abstraction, expanding the tradition of abstract expressionism. Known for a painting style suggestive of De Kooning and Oskar Kokoschka.
- Process: Often begins without a precise plan, allowing the final painting to reveal itself during the creative process. Embraces surprise and change in her work.
- Themes: Explores sexuality and attraction through semi-figurative and abstract means. The handling of paint becomes a central subject matter.
Major Works and Recurring Motifs
- Early Recognition: Displayed "Four Letter Heaven" at the Telluride Film Festival (1995), exploring themes of sexuality and pornography.
- Notable Paintings: Titles often drawn from classic Hollywood films and musicals, such as "The Pyjama Game," "The Bedtime Story," and "The Fugitive Kind."
- "Electric Ladyland" Series: Based a series of paintings on a photograph from the 1968 Jimi Hendrix album.
- Site-Specific Installation: Created "Untitled," a permanent installation for the group exhibition "Vertical Paintings" at P.S. 1 (1997).
- Recurring Elements: Expressive figures, nudes, rich colors, luscious paint handling, and animated brushwork are characteristic of her style.
Critical Reception and Historical Significance
- Contemporary Groupings: Often grouped with leading female contemporary painters including Charline von Heyl, Jacqueline Humphries, Laura Owens, Jutta Koether, Amy Sillman, and Emily Sundblad.
- Process Description: Describes her process as "organic," working on multiple pieces simultaneously, allowing layers to dry between applications.
- Critical Responses: While praised for powerful canvases and bold brushwork, some critics have noted a perceived detachment or lack of character in her work.
- Gendered Perspective: Brown's assertive style has been interpreted as confronting both the tradition of Abstract Expressionism (often associated with masculinity) and gendered assumptions about art.
- Legacy: Cecily Brown is recognized as a significant contemporary painter who revitalized painting through her dynamic, sensual, and intellectually engaging works. Her influence can be seen in subsequent generations of artists exploring figuration and abstraction.
