ART REOWNED

BIO

Kelsey Brookes is a former biochemist who attributes his raw style to an education system that "refuses to teach scientists to draw.” He abandoned biochemistry because, “I thought I was going to be there for a few months to make some money and get out of there. Four years later I was left wondering if I had become what I always despised – the funny guy at the water cooler, except not so funny. I was the confused, not so funny guy at the water cooler.” Science’s loss is art’s gain.

Kelsey Brookes work exhibits a strong and unique interplay with figure, abstract forms and text. Brookes’ work increases the sense of awe and wonder found in his signature style with a “loosening” of the figure – where once the female forms had sharply defined contours and rendered details, they are now symbolic canvases for his seemingly limitless constellation of brightly colored micro scenes and characters. The work presents a captivating aura – from a far the small characters, shapes and patterns read as a more or less abstract swirl of color. Up close, the faces and characters engage in all sorts of activity rewarding the careful viewer with a clear sense of joy.

Brookes has been featured in numerous pop culture and design publications such as GQ, Modern Painters, Paper, Nylon, Juxtapoz, Beautiful Decay, Dazed and Confused, Re:Up, and HUCK. The artist has also teamed up for illustration work with the likes of RVCA, VANS, and Insight 51. Brookes’ work is also embraced by the California surf-scene, something that devours his free time.