Romany Mark Bruce, Ireland born and Brighton-based, is a highly accomplished sculptor and painter whose work has attracted both national and international acclaim. Romany is responsible for creating and designing the striking TAY sculpture, the Brighton & Hove AIDS Memorial, which has now become an iconic landmark in Brighton and is where our communities gather to mark the annual World AIDS Day on December 1.
Romany said: “The inspiration behind TAY was the AIDS ribbon, and my aim was to make the sculpture a positive one, suggesting optimism. Two figures soar upwards, one representing the male sex, the other all other sexes.”
Earlier this year, the James Ledward Friendship Bench – situated by TAY in New Steine Gardens – was unveiled. The bench, designed by Romany, is the perfect spot to take the weight off the feet and reflect. We asked Romany what inspired the bench’s bold design.
“I first met James in 2007 when he invited me to submit a proposal for the Brighton & Hove AIDS Memorial Commission. We worked closely together on all aspects of the project for two years and James became a good friend, spending many hours having tea and chats in my studio.
“The design of James’s memorial bench was inspired by his many colourful short sleeved shirts, in particular one I remember him wearing on the very last occasion I saw him before his death.”
Having originally trained as a lawyer, specialising in brain injury and clinical negligence, this obsession with the brain, the body and how the muscles work has had a huge influence on Romany’s figurative abstract impressionist pieces, both in art and sculpture.
His latest works display his detailed focus with abstract expressionism as well as the powerful impact of colour in art. Painting with palette knives, Romany describes himself as, ‘a sculptor who paints.’
With a distinctive style and talent that has attracted art critics throughout the world, Romany’s artistic influence continues to develop with ongoing projects. His art was also chosen to feature across Paris for the Paris Metropolitan Exhibition.
How did the exhibition in Paris come about? “I was one of a group of international artists asked to submit paintings to Contemporary Art Station. Their aim is to showcase artists whose work reflect the latest trends and developments in contemporary art. My painting (UN)SEEN, from my latest collection of the same name, was chosen to be shown in the Paris Metro, along with the work of 40 other artists.”
Early 2024 promises more exciting releases from Romany, including a painting to be auctioned for Francesco’s Foundation.
Why did he choose this charity to benefit from the sale of one of his works? “For the last 30 years I have concentrated on supporting HIV and AIDS charities. I learned about Francesco’s Foundation at the same time that I was working on my latest collection of paintings, (UN)SEEN, where I explore the way we interact with our environment, and the impact of rolling news, social media and how it impacts on our behaviour.
“Francesco committed suicide as the result of cyber bullying – those in the LGBTQ+ community are four times more at risk of death by suicide. The Foundation helps prevent other teenagers from being tormented, cyber bullied, gossiped about, and/or discriminated against.
“The charity’s mission resonated with me in a powerful way. Growing up in Ireland in the 1970s I remember the loneliness and utter desolation I felt at the time as a consequence of bullying and feeling different. I can only imagine how more damaging it would have been if social media had been part of my life then.”
Keep your eyes peeled for Romany’s new art book, Sculpting Colour, coming spring 2024.
More info on Romany Mark Bruce HERE