Kirby Brownell’s work defies boundaries, diving headfirst into the rich terrain of the subconscious. A self-taught artist and musician, Brownell creates paintings, collages, and drawings rooted in surreal automatism—a method of making art by bypassing conscious control to let the unconscious mind guide the process. This intuitive, stream-of-consciousness style results in work that feels both raw and unfiltered, full of energy, emotion, and unexpected forms. Whether on canvas or paper, his compositions ripple with layered meaning, echoing the tumult and curiosity of a life lived creatively and candidly.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Brownell's life has been a continuous interplay of visual art and music, shaped by a series of personal transformations and geographic moves—from Los Angeles to New Orleans to Baltimore, and finally to Las Vegas. His journey has been anything but linear, marked by both hardship and inspiration, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he openly acknowledges as a key influence in his process and perspective. His work is a living chronicle of resilience, intuition, and the search for meaning through creative expression. Now in his sixties, Brownell continues to paint, draw, and compose with unrelenting passion—art, for him, is not a career, but a lifelong calling.
On exhibit at Clark County Library from July 3, 2025 through September 21, 2025
Monday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Tuesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Wednesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Thursday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
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