Two Palms is pleased to present The Calls of the Hunting Horn, a new series of monotypes by Cecily Brown. Made in response to the art and artifacts within Blenheim Palace, where in 2020 Brown became the first English artist to exhibit, this new body of work evolved from an exploration of British heritage in the context of Brexit and Britain’s imperialist past.

Drawing on the paintings of hunts that are traditionally associated with British country estates, as well as the work of seventeenth-century Flemish master Frans Snyders, Brown constructs lush compositions that fluidly combine rich landscapes with the chaotic motion of dogs overtaking their prey. Coats of arms, ships at sea and symbols of the Church remind of an empire that no longer exists. In several works the bounty of the hunt emerges on a table overflowing with an abundance of game, the limp carcasses of deer hang, ready for a feast. In each richly referential piece, imagery emerges from layers of vivid color, slowly revealing itself to the viewer.

The interesting thing about all these juicy subjects is their utter relevance to today—death and destruction are timeless and nothing has really changed. Using art—and often art of the past—can be like a bridge to talk about difficult things in the present. I’ve always used grand themes but that felt a little out of step until recently. It’s funny to be feeling topical for the first time in my life.

- Cecily Brown, The Art Newspaper

One of the main things I would like my work to do is to reveal itself slowly, continuously, and for you to never feel that you’re really finished looking at something.

- Cecily Brown