Paintings by Nigel Brown

Press, 9 March 1982, Page 26

Paintings by Nigel Brown

Exhibition: Recent Paintings by Nigel Brown at the Brooke/Gifford Gallery until March 19. Reviewed by David Brokenshire. In Nigel Brown's work previously exhibited in Christchurch the very strong influence of Colin McCahon has been readily apparent. However, in this exhibition he has' matured and the paintings are worked in a very personal manner. Sixteen works priced from $250 to $750 completely fill the large gallery with an exhuberSnt vitality. There is little serenity here but the kaleidoscopic vision commands attention. <

Washing and a suburban rotary clothes line seen from above is an unlikely subject

but in Nigel Brown's hands the paintings resolve into satisfying patterns and colour areas. Motorways are another subject. In “Motorway Screamer” there is a reference to Edvard Munch — “The Scream” - but in this painting the incipient terror of death at high speed is forcefully presented. “Your Very Own Century” is shown with the wry comment painted round the border — “My friend can you stand your very own century? — too bad if you can't because you are in it.” There is no complacency in this exhibition but a forceful vision Incorporating colour and pattern-making of a high order is presented;