ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT | DeDe Brown
“A work always alters the space it invests. It can provide the environment in which it is inscribed a new meaning, a new function, and a new angle of vision. The work is an element of modification of the landscape in itself.”
Welcome back to Cacique’s Artist In The Spotlight series - a journey into the thriving Bahamian art space and a look at some of the most exciting individuals pushing boundaries here in Nassau and around the world.
Dede Brown’s impressive portfolio of work is as varied as her experimental style. Her desire to explore different materials and techniques has taken her from photography to set design (theatre & TV), permanent sculpture installations, and more. At Cacique we work to craft experiences that exceed the sum of their component parts, and today we bring you something that effortlessly captures the essence of this transmutation process. Dede Brown’s Ibis Bird Sculpture at the SLS Baha Mar is island alchemy. Something greater has emerged at the meeting point of artist, sculpture, and venue.
“Honestly, how people respond [to my art] is never really up to me, but I think if and when people choose to actually engage with art, (no matter the response) then I’m happy, even if they hate it. The worst thing to me is when people don’t see it. I would prefer a negative reaction than no reaction at all.”
Cacique. What does the word “art” mean to you?
Dede. For me, art means following your creative curiosity - whichever form, dimension, technique, or material you choose to express that with. As long as that is happening, then art exists.
C. As an interdisciplinary artist, which is your favorite medium and why?
D. I think the reason I am an interdisciplinary artist is because I do not have a favorite medium [laughing]. I'm quite curious - I love playing and exploring new materials and techniques.
C. Much of your art centers around femininity, gender roles, sexual identity and race. Why is it important that your art tells these stories and spurs these conversations?
D. I think it's important to invite the opportunity to discuss issues of gender, sexuality, race, etc because we live in a society where there is still a great deal of stigma and discrimination surrounding these issues. People are judged, ostracized, condemned, and even killed in some instances. And as much as we want to ignore, hide or pretend it does not exist, we can't...or I can't anyway. So instead, why not try to tackle these issues, if we can, by inviting constructive dialogues? I try to create work that may spark a conversation, hit a nerve, bring a tear or a smile. As a liberal-minded female artist in this country, I'll admit that I am nervous - even afraid - to jump into these topics with full force. So, for now, I'm trying to tap into them more subtly and develop that as I build courage.
C. Tell us more about your newest installation at Baha Mar. What birthed the idea? Are you at liberty to tell us how this partnership came to be?
D. Back in 2015, I was approached by The Art Team at Baha Mar to submit a proposal for a bird sculpture. I think I may have been on their radar as a candidate, having completed the flamingos for the airport just two years prior. Initially, I was presented with a sketch of what they were looking for, and was given the liberty to develop that idea further, which I did. Instead of producing 'realistic' painted birds that looked like actual ibis, I decided to cover them with patterns and colour. I think Baha Mar was looking for a vibrant, dynamic sculpture that could create a more local point of interest within the resort's environment. I hope we have achieved that.
Island Alchemy - Something greater has emerged at meeting point of artist, sculpture, and venue…
C. What do you want people to get/see/feel from this specific piece of work?
D. Honestly how people respond is never really up to me, but I think if and when people choose to actually engage with art, (no matter the response) then I'm happy, even if they hate it. The worst thing to me is when people don't see it. I would prefer a negative reaction than no reaction at all. So hey, challenge accepted - and so far the responses have been positive.
“For each bird, I would find imagery and capture silhouettes that I liked, trace them out on to aluminum and then cut them all out. In terms of colours I wanted them to be vibrant - just fun and exciting. Something that makes the sculpture so dynamic is that it creates an experience for the viewers within the space... As you walk towards it and move around it, it’s constantly changing. ”
C. How does art play a part when faced with a challenge like Hurricane Dorian?
D. In instances like these, when we are faced with dealing with severe devastation, loss, and trauma I think that art can be used as a positive tool. It can be informative, create awareness, and evoke powerful emotional responses, which can help to heal. And, if art work can be sold to raise funds in an effort to support those that have lost (like several of the art auctions and exhibitions that have been held recently), then I think art can play a significant supportive role.
Untitled - Oil on Handmade Paper, 2019
C. Which one of your pieces is your absolute favorite to date?
D. Dunno about favourites per say, but I was pretty pleased with how this piece (see right) turned out this summer.
C. Complete this sentence - I love _________?
D. …spontaneity.
C. What is the current direction of Bahamian art?
D. I think there is a momentum happening in Bahamian art right now, we seem to be transitioning from what is safe, what is expected and venturing further into new territories. It may be happening slowly and not always so obviously....but I can see and feel the tension. It's unsettling, unnerving and also exciting...and I'm proud to be a part of it.
C. Rosé or Sky Juice?
D. Fresh Coconut Water
C. Conch shack or Sky Bar?
D. Conch Shack - Goldy’s to be exact!
C. What other exciting projects do you have going on at the moment?
D. I always have a million ideas rolling around in my head! Developing them and getting them out is always the challenge. Over the last year though, I have made a concerted effort to put my fine art practice in the forefront and give it more of my time and energy. I have been transitioning away from my photography and commercial work and allowing myself to focus more on my fine art. I have been working on a series of portraits called 'Just Another Version of You', which began as a more experimental series I did as part of the Double Dutch program at The NAGB; the intention of which was to showcase new work still 'in progress.' I exhibited those works in late 2017, and after that, they sort of morphed into something else, and became this current series of mixed media portraits on paper. So I'm just tackling them for the time being... and seeing where they take me.
Ibis Bird Sculpture in situ.
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Cacique International is the leading destination management and event design company in The Bahamas, with a twenty-one year legacy of creating exceptional experiences for clients around the globe. At Cacique, we love to showcase our colourful Bahamian art scene and the characters that create its distinct flair. For more information on Dede Brown, our featured artists and spaces, or to find out about curating a unique look and sound for your event, feel free to contact us.
Looking forward to the next chat! SMS:)