ART BIO
Angela has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a minor in Theatre from Concordia University, Montreal, BFA in Dance, York University, Toronto. Angela has had numerous exhibitions, both solo and in group shows, all over British Columbia and Quebec since the early eighties. Such as; Brackendale Art Gallery’ Saltspring Art Gallery” Dancing on the Edge, ‘City on the Edge’ ‘Dance Factory’ in Montreal, ‘Presentation House Gallery’ North Vancouver, ‘Grunt Gallery’ ‘Ironworks Studios’ ‘Wells Art Gallery’ ‘Rembrandt Gallery, North Vancouver’. Angela won an award of merit for one of her paintings from B.C. Festival of the Arts. She has been collaborating with Evelyn Roth for many years. One of their collaborations was called Salmon Dance. It began with a residency Evelyn and a friend, Hannelore, had together in Old Masset in 1977. The making of this piece was first suggested by Robert Davidson, the First Nation Sculptor. The soundtrack and an animated large inflatable salmon described the cycle of the salmon from the perspective of the four (animals -Eagle, Raven. Frog and Bear) and the transformation of the relationship of man to nature. With Hannalore’s passing in 2013, Evelyn and Angela collaborated with Tluu Xaadaa Naay Dance Group in Haidi Gwaii to re-create this piece. Evelyn included the original salmon sculpture as a gift celebrating Hannelore’s life and work. Angela is a fabulous dancer/actor as well as an illustrator of body shapes in color and movement. Her collaborations with Evelyn were fascinating. Especially with Roth’s white inflatable.
“Angela and I have collaborated in dance projects, performance art and story theatre since 1999. In 2005, we presented a series of new works for SALA FESTIVAL…South Australia Living Artists in Adelaide, South Australia. For these pieces, she painted “live” worked with my white inflatable sculptures, she manipulated the domes and projected on her body were her paintings. Angela has presented many “Live Painting performances and various other art performances. She sang, danced, with Angela’s art projected on one of my domes. They are s a fascinating canvas to create magical imagery between dancer, music, song and the material of the structure.”
Evelyn Roth
Evelyn Roth and Angela Brown
Angela has worked with and for Evelyn since the late nineties with The Nylon Zoo as well as a variety of projects that include dance, storytelling Angela toured with Evelyn to Singapore, Malaysia and Australia
Evelyn invited Angela to animate/choreograph some of her wearable artwork at the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) for the retrospective exhibition ‘Between Object and Action’: Transforming Media in the 1960’s & 70’s.
Upaya
True North Performance based in Richmond B.C., was an interdisciplinary company with Artistic Director, Catherine Lee at the helm. UPAYA was originally created by Catherine,, myself and Laura Crema. ‘Upaya’ began as part of the Dance Lab program at the Dance Centre in Vancouver.
As an ensemble, we are constantly exploring the possibilities of what this amazing inflatable white dome can do ( created by Evelyn Roth). We incorporate dance, mime, expressive movement with vocal work. Catherine calls this ‘Vocal Body”This dome is a living, breathing part of the process, constantly shape shifting new formations. The dome a has zippered entrance at the back and there are pockets attached to the dome from the inside for arms and faces to slip into and protrude from the surface outward. This allows the movers to manipulate the dome and in this way, the dome, images and the dancers are all in unison. They alter and animate the shape of the event creating an array of unexpected keneitc imagery – human and nature forms blending into one. The movement of the performers inside, outside, on top of, underneath the dome along with the added flexibility and vibrancy of the projections which greatly influences and supports the performers.
The projections of nature and of my art work become distorted and amplified as though they are alive and breathing.
Our first public presentation was in the lobby outside Yaletown Gallery in Vancouver where my paintings were hung – a solo series called Human Nature.
” I must comment on Angela Brown’s visual art. Her work as an artist was part of the “Upaya” performance and her paintings have been nothing short of superb. Her work has been on display in our gallery in a few of our shows. Again, the public has shown a very positive response to her work.” Jerry Mandoli, Former owner of Yaletown Gallery
Reference Evelyn Roth
“I saw a version of “Upaya” when I was in Vancouver for the Hannelore Evans memorial celebration in and I consider it one of the best works I have seen in years. It is full of vibrancy and subtlety. It speaks to me of our relationship with landscape and our impact on our world and of the mystery of our place in the universe. The projections of the natural phenomena of earth, sea and cosmos are gorgeous, the paintings by Angela Brown are breathtaking and powerful. The performers are engaging and their Vocal Body choreography is mesmerizing. They have embraced the beauty and elusiveness of the “Dome” as they work on, under and inside the sculpture as well as in the space around it.” Evelyn Roth
The Colors of the Butterfly
Video below of projections of Angela’s art with Angela dancing in front.
Maiden, Mother and Crone at Grunt Gallery
Choreographed written and directed by Angela Brown, visuals by Angela, music written and arranged by Earl Peach. Performed at Gallery Gachet Vancouver B.C. This white inflatable sculpture created by Evelyn Roth was awarded to Angela as part payment for her participation in SALA fest (South Australia).
Live Painting
“Live painting” for Bohemian Caress Vancouver B.C. in 2012 – 2014
Roundhouse called ANU, Sex on Earth
In 2007, Angela painted live for an interdisciplinary performance at the Roundhouse called ANU, Sex on Earth, under the Artistic Direction of Steve Duncan and produced by Jabbar Jabbar. Angela, and three other painters, painted live while a large group of musicians, spoken word artists and dancers performed.
IRONWORKS STUDIOS
Angela had a solo exhibition “Visions of the Goddess” at Ironworks Studio in Vancouver of her paintings and sculptures. The opening night included LIVE ART performances (by Angela) dance, music and spoken word (Steve Duncan). Angela presented “live painting” to song and music by Catherin Lee, Pat Unruh & Mehlinda Heartt. Michelle Hersey danced in and around projections of art work.