Page 73 - Winter Issue

Marcia Brown

Marcia Brown, an interdisciplinary community
artist and qualified art teacher based in Leeds,
U.K., holds a master's degree in Contemporary
Fine Arts Practices from Leeds Beckett University.
She is a recipient of the prestigious Edna Lumb
Travel Scholarship and the Black Achievers Award
for her contributions to community arts. Her
artistic practice is deeply influenced by African art,
Rastafarian culture, and roots reggae music. In
2022, she was commissioned by The World Re-
Imagined Arts Education Project to create a public
artwork as part of the "Stolen Legacy: Rebirth of a
Nation" series, which now resides in Leeds
Kirkgate Market. Her recent exhibitions include
the British Library in London and the Reginald
Centre Library Hub, where she showcased her
textile pieces for 'Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years
of Black British Music' Additionally, she won the
Design4Change Art Competition for her piece
addressing the Bristol Bus Boycott. Marcia runs
her studio and her works are in both private and
public collections.

‘’My art is deeply inspired by the spirit of the Rastafarian faith, the pulse of Roots Reggae, and the richness of
African heritage. It serves as a visual journey through the stories of Black liberation, the African diaspora,
and my Jamaican ancestry. Each piece I create is a reflection of the profound cultural and historical ties that
continue to shape and define the Black experience.
Through my figurative work, I blend traditional artistic techniques with music and textiles, creating a multi-
layered approach to storytelling. This allows me to reimagine the oral histories that have been passed down
through generations—stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph. My art becomes a canvas where these
narratives come to life, where the strength and spirit of Africa are honored, and where the echoes of my
Jamaican roots resonate.
Textiles, much like music, are central to my practice. They are carriers of memory and identity, woven with
the textures of history and culture. By incorporating fabric and tactile elements into my work, I create pieces
that are both visually and emotionally textured, inviting viewers to feel the weight of the past and the
vibrancy of the present. At the core of my work is a celebration of the enduring connections between Africa
and its diaspora. I seek to express the beauty and strength of this global community while challenging the
erasure of our stories. My art is not just a reflection of personal identity but a powerful statement on the
resilience and unity of Black people across the world. It’s a call to remember, honor, and continue the
journey toward liberation and cultural pride.’’

73 Church Windows of No Return - Fiber Glass, 1.7x1.5m, 2022 Public Art owned by LCC