“This is my heart as I
travel all over; my spirit,
my life and living.”
Flathead Indian Chief, Montana
Whilst living in California in the 1980s, Gordon Ellis-Brown became interested in the power and relevance of ancient rock art symbolism and the misrepresentation of Native American peoples in US pop-culture, particularly the damaging stereotypes disseminated by cinematic genres like the Western.
Ellis-Brown's Soul Shaker series responds to these preconceived notions of the historical American West, incorporating symbolism drawn from forms found in Native American petroglyphs. Constructed from collaged photographs, resin, paint and natural pigments, these bold graphic works celebrate the enduring materiality of some images whilst recognising the vulnerability and need to safeguard others. The compositions seek to make a connection beneath the surface and by deciphering codes he responds with a visual language to challenge the viewer.
In Soul Shaker, Ellis-Brown also raises questions about environmental sustainability, juxtaposing ancient and modern cultural signifiers to ask how we might reverse the devastating impacts of modernity and globalisation to preserve our precious natural resources.
Original works, signed and dated.
Sundance II. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 100 x 75 cm
Angeni I. Acrylic, charcoal, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 46 x 154 cm
A Day in the Life of Ten Bears. Acrylic and pigment on canvas. 78 x 90cm
Nootau I. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 52 x 100 cm
Little Warrior II. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 100 x 75 cm
Tumbleweed II. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on wood panel. 57 x 87 cm
Spur. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on wood panel. 35 x 87 cm
Badlands. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on wood panel. 61 x 120 cm
Sundowner. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 50 x 100 cm
Biggity II. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 50 x 50 cm
Etu (Sun) II. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 50 x 50 cm
Wild West III. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 50 x 50 cm
Lonestar. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on wood panel. 32 x 80 cm
Yahto. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 36 x 70 cm
Adahy (Lives in Woods). Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 44 x 154 cm
Space Girl. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 100 x 70 cm
Space Boy. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 100 x 70 cm
Mayaimis (Meet Me by the River). Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 34 x 100 cm
Ghost Riders. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 34 x 50 cm
Crazy Horse. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 55 x 160 cm
Dry Lightning I. Acrylic and pigment on Arches Aquarelle rag. 100 x 75 cm
Poke. Acrylic, pigment, mixed media on Arches Aquarelle rag. 50 x 100 cm
