Larry "Poncho" Brown, is a world
leader in contemporary African American art. He is a native of
Baltimore, MD and he started his first business at the age of 17 as
a sign writer and he has been a full time artist ever since. Poncho
Brown 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 "Laurie
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.
