On exhibit from March 9 to May 25, 2025, Cecily Brown’s major mid-career retrospective is a milestone for the artist but equally important as a remarkable opportunity for art lovers in Philadelphia to inundate themselves in Brown’s innovative exploration of figuration and abstraction.
Cecily Brown, born in London in 1969 and now a mainstay of the New York art scene, is celebrated for her uniquely layered brushwork that combines cultural references with the weight of art history. Having graduated from the esteemed Slade School of Fine Art, Brown emerged in the mid-1990s, quickly capturing attention with her audacious ability to subvert traditional narratives while embracing contemporary themes. Her style, which intricately weaves together personal and collective histories, resonates deeply in today’s evolving dialogue on gender and identity.
Themes and Variations spans three decades of Brown’s career, showcasing over 30 large-scale paintings and works on paper. She challenges the conventions of the art world, particularly through notable pieces like “Girl on a Swing,” which scrutinizes themes of voyeurism in rococo painting, and the intricate “The Splendid Table,” a triptych inspired by the rich tradition of 17th-century Flemish still lifes.
“Saboteur Four Times” is a remarkable four-canvas piece that demonstrates Cecily Brown’s adept use of digital imagery, reflecting her keen awareness of modernity and its implications. The inclusion of new works like “Untitled” featuring striking large-scale oil monotypes accentuates her dynamic approach and allegiance to redefining boundaries.
Curated by Simonetta Fraquelli and Anna Katherine Brodbeck, “Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations” at The Barnes Foundation urges you to delve into the detailed web of cultural politics, examining how Brown’s often erotic and provocative works resonate with the pressing issues of our time. The retrospective opens March 9 and will be on exhibit until May 25. Make plans to engage, now.
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