Larry Poncho Brown bio

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.