Artist Derek Browne messages of hope

Through his art, U.S.-based Guyanese artist Derek Browne wants to spread messages of hope, and show that unity and order can be attained in this world torn by chaos.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the artist said he was born in the village of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, but grew up in Georgetown where he attended Smith Church Congregational and Bedford Methodist Primary schools. Browne also attended Central High School where he had begun his formal education in art, and from there went on to the Burrowes School of Art, situated in Eccles, East Bank Demerara at that time. He later migrated to the U.S. and is currently residing in Queens, New York.

Recalling his initial interests in the arts, Browne stated, “As far back as I can remember being an infant, I had begun showing interest in drawing and playing musical instruments. During the course of going to primary and secondary schools to be educated, all I ever thought about was becoming an artist and musician. So I guess by nature, I was born an artist.”
The artist’s first major painting was titled “Carambola in Season”. It was a picturesque painting featuring a few bunches of ripe five-finger fruits with leaves hanging from branches. It was an image captured from a tree growing in his backyard. This artwork was one of two that shared the first prize in painting at the National Exhibition of Visual Art held at the Umana Yana in 1981. This painting is now part of the National Collection at Castellani House.
Another notable work is “Market Splendour” which was the sole first prize winner at the National Exhibition of Visual Art in 1982. That painting is also now part of the National Collection.
“Much of my artworks I like to term ‘pictorial designs’ – they maybe floral, abstract, posters, things from nature… I also like landscapes. I am not really a figure painter. I have gotten a few commissions for these and have sold some of my art,” he explained.
Browne declared that through his art he would like to “show humanity that unity and order can be attained in this chaotic world that we live in…” adding that, “aesthetic order is the objective” in all his art.
Browne views himself more as a designer. When executing an artwork, he allows himself to be guided by the principles of design.
Other than art, Browne also loves music. His main instrument is the guitar. Additionally, he is an avid gardener and creates scenic landscapes. Browne is an artist of different dimensions.
When asked about his inspiration, Browne noted that in “the Fine Arts he is not inspired by humans, but feels divine inspiration.”
Currently, the artist is gearing up to throw a grand one-man exhibition of his art. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)