The work of Michael J Browne spans projects such as a reappropriated version of the world's most famous ceiling, a project for the BBC entitled 'Michael Browne, Made in England', and being chosen by the sitter - Alex Brooker - on Sky Arts’ 'Portrait Artist of the Year'.
Sistine Chapel - reappropriated copy 1993
Commissioned in 1991, by Alfiero Centamore for Cocotoo Restaurant in Manchester. The huge painting, comprising oil on boards attached to the ceiling, took two and a half years to fully complete. Considerable media attention followed the completion of the project, including a visit from the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
BBC ‘Made in England’ 2008
The BBC’s ‘Made in England’ project looks at the relationship between the people and places of England expressed in art. For the project Michael travelled to Grasmere, home of Wordsworth and his daffodils, and produced a pre-Raphaelite style painting that offers a tongue-in-cheek view of the Romantic movement, multiculturalism and indeed, our view of what is English.
Sky Arts 'Portrait Artist of the Year' 22
After submitting a self-portrait, Michael was selected to take part in series 9, episode 2, of the prestigious competition, where artists from around the UK compete to create the best original celebrity portrait. When the sitters were asked to choose their favourite piece, presenter and journalist Alex Brooker chose to take Michael’s portrait home with him.
BBC ‘Inside Out’ and Manchester United bronze frieze
His vision of football legend George Best as a spiritual being ascending and ‘leaving behind his Earthly delights’ for the BBC’s ‘Inside Out’ documentary series, and a commission to design a bronze frieze in celebration of Manchester United’s historic treble win in 2000, a piece that was officially unveiled by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Gusto and ‘Manchester’s Own Northern Lights’
Michael’s work can also be seen on a large canvas commissioned by Gusto Manchester, celebrating many of ‘Manchester’s Own Northern Lights’, highlighting inspirational people and events throughout the history of the city.
