Larry "Poncho" Brown,
a world leader in contemporary African American art,
is a native of Baltimore, MD. He started his first
business at the age of 17 as a signwriter and he
has been a full time artist ever since. Poncho received
his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland
Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD. His art,
both fine and commercial, has been published nationally
in Upscale, Ebony, Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet magazines.
In February '99 his art was featured in the UCLA
Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series
No. 2 book entitled "Wrapped In Pride". His most
popular artwork titled "Black is Black" and works
from "Egyptian Queens" series has been featured on
the former hit TV show "A Different World." "Sidesteppin" was
featured on the HBO mini series "Laurel Avenue",
and "One Love" has been featured on "In The House".
His work adorns the walls of the likes of Bill Cosby,
Dick Gregory, Anita Baker, Susan Taylor, and Bernard
Bronner just to name a few.
In
pursuing his philanthropic goals, he founded "The
African American Youth Art Exhibition" which recently
celebrated its 10th Anniversary. He also co-founded
Artistic Legacy, a not for profit organization that
sponsors art workshops for youth.
Admirers often site rhythm, movement, and unity, as favorite elements in his
work. He primarily works in acrylic, although he uses a variety of mediums and
styles to express his interests in Afrocentric themes, Ancient Egyptology and
dance. Poncho's unique style combines past and present art stylizations to create
a sense of realism, mysticism, and beauty, which gives his art universal appeal.
His contemporary paintings are a reflection of his personal values and pay homage
to ongoing themes of family, community and spirituality.
