Exhibitions

HOLLIE BROWN: SZN 3 EP: 4, (THE POUT)

Neue Welt / 507 Hagan St. April 5 - May 2nd

Hollie Brown

Neue Welt is pleased to present Szn 3 Ep: 4, (the pout) by Abilene, TX-based artist Hollie Brown.

Brown’s painted flag depicts Love Island USA contestant Shannon’s expression during her one on one with Josh, her boyfriend of four days, in which she is upset that he flirted with and kissed another contestant.

Brown is interested in how reality shows like Love Island shape our culture, particularly from the perspective of younger viewers who watch it religiously. With some seasons spanning up to 40 episodes, the sheer volume of content surpasses that of other dating shows. This type of programming acts as a cultural gauge, promoting unrealistic beauty standards and encouraging superficial relationships where physical appearance is prioritized over emotional connection. Additionally, it often normalizes toxic behaviors like gaslighting, possessiveness, and emotional manipulation, framing them as romantic drama rather than red flags.

Hollie Brown is a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Abilene, TX. Brown received her BFA in Painting from Texas State University (2012) and her MFA from the University of California, Riverside (2017). She currently teaches at Abilene Christian University and McMurry University in Abilene, and runs Little Shop of Hollies, which she founded in 2020.

Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions nationally including Cluley Projects, Dallas, TX, San Jacinto College, CA; Human Resources Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; Spellerberg Projects, Lockhart, TX and ICOSA, Austin, TX. Brown’s work was featured in the 144th issue of New American Paintings.