Description
The theme of this piece is the consequences of betrayal, reminding us that betraying others will ultimately come back to haunt us.
Materials
Acrylic on canvas.
Michael Kyle Brown
Cherokee Nation
About the Artist
Michael Kyle Brown, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is a versatile artist whose work spans across multiple creative disciplines. As he reflects on his artistic journey, Brown shares, "My art has introduced me to so many great people that I can now call my friends. I love how the art community is so intertwined with painters, musicians, and other creative types. It’s a sense of family in many ways. I feel like we all learn and feed off each other’s creativity."
Brown describes his art as ever-evolving, with a fluidity that reflects his ongoing exploration of various techniques and mediums. "My work is ever-evolving," he notes. "I find similarities in my past works, but most of what I create remains fluid. I would describe my paintings as thick with texture and emotion. The only consistent aspect of my work is that I use a lot of layers. When it comes to digital art, I tend to think within those same standards.”
His admiration for artists who transcend traditional boundaries is evident in his influences. He cites figures such as Jackson Pollock, Ralph Steadman, and artists like Dennis Hopper and Johnny Depp, who, in addition to their visual work, engage in multiple creative outlets. For Brown, it’s the multifaceted nature and colorful histories of these artists that deepen his connection to their art. "My earliest influence was my great-great uncle Cherokee artist Felix Hawk. The entire atmosphere during my childhood was saturated in Cherokee language, folklore and tradition." Visually, Brown’s paintings are known for their heavy applications of paint and vibrant layers that create an almost three-dimensional quality, thanks to his use of the "impasto" technique. This method involves applying thick, textured layers of paint with visible brush strokes, inviting a tactile experience.
Much like his multilayered approach to art, Brown’s career encompasses painting, graphic design, and music, making his works a reflection of his diverse creative journey. Brown’s music career has taken him from family gatherings to iconic stages such as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and The Whisky A Go-Go in West Hollywood, California. Along the way, he has shared the stages and studios with celebrated artists, including the late Darryl Singletary and Yellowstone’s Ryan Bingham. As the lead guitarist for various projects over the past twenty-seven years, Brown reflects on his musical path, saying, “I feel like my musical journey has come full circle.” Currently, Brown resides in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, where he continues to create and perform.
