Lands of the Mind: works by Frederick J. Brown
— The Arts Club London 12 February — 25 May 2025

Lands of the Mind is an exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking contributions of Frederick J. Brown to 20th-century abstraction. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the expressive work of an artist whose influence continues to shape contemporary conversations around abstraction, music, and cultural identity.

Frederick J. Brown developed a bold and emotionally charged artistic language that drew from Abstract Expressionism, jazz, and American folk traditions. Born in Greensboro, Georgia, and raised in Chicago, Brown was influenced by the vibrant blues and jazz culture of his surroundings. His move to New York in the 1970s immersed him in the city’s avant-garde art scene, where he formed significant relationships with artists such as Willem de Kooning, Romare Bearden, and Frank Bowling.

Brown’s work combines the improvisational energy of jazz with sweeping gestural brushstrokes and rich, expressive colour. He explored themes of spirituality, identity, and collective history, often referencing religious iconography and cultural narratives in his compositions. His celebrated Blues series, a tribute to over 350 jazz and blues legends, reflects his deep reverence for music and its ability to communicate universal emotion.

Lands of the Mind highlights Brown’s approach to abstraction, featuring key works from the 1970s, a period of intense experimentation and artistic growth. The exhibition includes Time (1974), Lands of the Mind (1974), and Untitled (1970), which embody his energetic and expressive style. Today, Brown’s work is held in major collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscoring his lasting impact on the landscape of modern art.

We are very grateful to the artists, lenders and gallery teams for their generosity and collaboration on this exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Amelie von Wedel and Pernilla Holmes of Wedel Art.