Founding member of international reggae band UB40 turned artist, Brian Travers, is thrusting his latest art collection into the spotlight as it takes centre stage at Malmaison Birmingham.
Last week saw the installation of Brian’s latest work within Malmaison Birmingham, with guests and visitors to the hotel being treated to an exclusive glimpse of the chart-topper’s newest compositions. The main feature of the exhibition is an exclusive piece: ‘The Malmaison Installation of 8 UV monkeys’, which is inspired by Brian’s passion for the natural world. The collection also showcases pieces motivated by his time spent touring with global superstars, UB40.
Self-taught sax player, Brian, is now finally fulfilling his artistic potential after over four decades of keeping his talent under wraps. He made his debut into the art world in September of last year, with his first exhibition filling the entirety of Harborne’s independent Havill and Travis gallery. Having been described as a versatile painter, Brian is starting creating a real stir in the art world, despite still dedicating six months of his year to touring the globe. With abstraction being his forte, Brian immerses himself in creating pieces of artwork that aim to provoke thought from it’s audience.
Speaking about the Malmaison exhibition, Brian comments:
“To be able to showcase my most recent body of work at Malmaison is such an exciting opportunity for me. The exhibition aims to provide a colourful environment for visitors and guests that hopefully gets them thinking deeper about the pieces and the stories behind them.
“Art was my initial platform to express myself; believe it or not I have been painting longer than I have been performing with UB40. It’s wonderful to finally be able to bring my passion for art into the spotlight, and share it with my home city.”
Brian is the latest talent to showcase work at Malmaison’s ‘Art Space’, which has also exhibited images of Duran Duran’s ‘Careless Memories’ tour by renowned photographer Denis O’Regan, as well as a host of artists from Washington Green Fine Art. Giving a taster of his eclectic talent, which ranges from abstract art to self portraits, in addition to the ‘‘The Malmaison Installation of 8 UV monkeys’, Brian is showcasing a series of work.
‘The Light Roundel Installation’ is a multi-coloured version of the RAF logo and represents a modern image of British arts and culture, and sits illuminated within the exhibit. Thought-provoking abstract images can be see in ‘Colour Maps Number 23 & 7’, two maps that intended to inject abstract colour into the living environment. UB40 fans will flock to see ‘Selfie’, which is a favourite among Brian Travers Art Studio followers and shows Brian in a reflective state before going on on stage to perform with UB40. It gives ‘ pride of place’ to his chief instrument, the iconic Saxophone with his own trademark ‘ Roundel’ firmly in place. The varied selection of work also includes ‘Carlito Monkey’, a new addition to the ‘Urban Monkey’ series and one of Brian’s personal favourites. As well as ‘Band’, a painting of UB40 that is part of the Synaesthesia series of paintings and boasts superb detail that brings alive a band at their peak in live performance.
Brian’s work is now on display at Malmaison Birmingham and is open to the public. To find out more information about Brian and his artwork, please visit www.briantraversartstudio.com