Julian L.W. Brown b. 1991

After four years diving for Paspaley in Broome and Darwin Julian was inspired to paint

“iridescent”. The word iridescent means “showing luminous colours that seem to change when seen from different angles” - it is his unique view of the movement and colour under the water.

Julian has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and currently works as a marine scientist in Darwin. “It has taken me into a world of unexpected patterns and shapes set free by nature,” “Being under water, its rhythm is my world. While drift diving collecting shells on the lines in Broome I came across the painted

crayfish – a beautiful creature that has stayed with me and inspired my art.”

“When I started to paint these works, I didn’t know what to expect, but the design of the

cray and its uniqueness, became the idea for the placement of the lines.”

“When you are diving for pearls, the lines are rust and pearl coloured and with pearl shell an

underwater cultivated world also grows and reflects light.”

“Painting, for me it has become very therapeutic.”.

Born in Northern Australia, Julian has been surrounded by renowned artists who have

revealed to him the connection between self, land, song and art including Prince of Wales

Angelina George and the Joshua sisters, Regina Wilson and the artist from Peppimenarti

and most important his aunty Sarah Nelson. Julian’s late grandmother is Rose Colless – a senior, Indigenous women from Yarrabah, near Cairns, North Queensland. His great grandfather Chick King and Nanna Mavis are also artists on his mother side. A rich love of travel encompassing Europe, Asia and South America has also influenced his work.