Since then, Braunginn has been making some moves.
And so earlier this week, I caught up with the artist to see how he has propelled his career since fall 2024. Not only is Braunginn now exhibiting artist in “Finding Color In the Chaos,” he has rented one of our private studios since June 2024. Almost every time I walk past the studio whether leaving or arriving at the gallery, Braunginn is working on a new painting. Some nights I hear the faint echo of jazz and hip-hop beats. I have come to know that’s Braunginn painting up a storm.
Braunginn since our interview participated in shows at the Arts + Literature Laboratory, Overture Center for the Arts, as well as our gallery. Prior to our fall interview, his works were displayed as part of exhibitions at the Omega School Gallery, the Appleton Trout Museum of Art, 100state and the Commonwealth Gallery.
One thing I didn’t think to ask during our last interview: What’s the meaning behind your artist name? Why “Higgs”?
Higgs comes from my paternal side of the family. There’s a very rich history rooted in civil rights and within the arts. Higgs (is also inspired by) the Higgs boson. It’s what gives everything mass. In its own way, it gives rise to the possibility of life and creation and all that stuff.
What have you generally been up to since we last spoke?
I have been working on a lot of pieces as I always do. Taking a dip into oil paints for a good little bit. That’s been fun. Expanding a little bit into doing some more humanistic forms.
How do you feel your work continues to evolve as an artist?
I have been learning and intentionally trying to figure out new ways to refine my works. Something might feel done and instead of accepting that, I ask myself what I could do to take the piece to that next step. That’s really been my focus; refinement and elevation.
What do you think about Finding Color so far? What did you think of the show’s turnout?
A lot of people seemed to enjoy the opening reception. The exhibition offers a great diversity of work that demonstrates the expansiveness of abstract art.
Why should people listen to the playlist that you provide as part of your display at Carnelian Art Gallery? Why did you choose those specific pieces of music?
(If you come to Carnelian Art Gallery, and you examine Braunginn’s artist statement, you’ll notice there’s a QR code you can scan that takes you to a playlist on Braunginn’s website. You can listen to the songs while you scrutinize his works.)Many of them are jazz and hip-hip tracks. Braunginn is known for comparing his artworks to jazz songs.) The playlist is a good little mix. All the tracks are tracks that were played during the creation of each painting. Music is a very key part of my process and it really impacts the energy in a piece; the rhythms affect how i apply the paint. Sometimes I find myself going along with it. It creates a meditative process. It adds dimension to the work itself.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
I want to challenge myself to expand beyond what I am currently doing. Not all my stuff is heavy and geometric. I want to return to that a little bit and see if I can apply some of the skills and lessons I have learned over the last six months. I want to get a little bit more exposure.
What lessons have you learned over the last six months?
Getting your work out there is hard. It’s a balance. I never want to feel like this is a hustle. I haven’t applied to many showings recently. I’m not going to force myself to do it. I want to be more intentional and find collectors and galleries that fit what I do.
