RAYMOND BROWN
Raymond Brown performs an improvised set as part of a 2014 exhibition series entitled, “thisishappening.” Photo by Monica McGivern, Courtesy Emerson Dorsch Gallery
The South Florida art and music communities have bonded over their grief at the passing of Raymond Brown. On Monday, October 24, the New Jersey native was working on a giant mural with Douglas “Hoxxoh” Hoekzema and Jonathan “Pucho” Olsen at the Hyde Resort & Residences Hollywood when a section of their scaffolding collapsed. Hoekzema and Olsen were left roughly 40-odd feet in the air dangling from their harnesses, mostly covered in paint and suffering from injuries sustained in the jostle. Brown was pronounced dead at Hollywood’s Memorial Regional Hospital while Olsen was listed in critical condition.
Brown’s death, the result of what is becoming a frequent form of accident plaguing South Florida sites, leaves a tangible void in the art and music communities. An employee of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) since its opening in 2013, Brown was known for his dedication to the arts as an artist and scrupulous handler and preparer who gave every bit of his vast expertise to the projects he worked on. Of the industry’s large pool of professionals, Brown stood out as one of the most dependable.
Raymond performs in costume with “Brogurt” at Douglas Hoekzema’s Nomadic Studio in 2015 by Monica McGivern
“(He) was in a special category of artists who would labor behind the scenes for the benefit of others,” wrote Kevin Arrow in the comment section of a recent piece I penned for the Miami New Times. “The list is long of artists whose work Raymond has helped to realize. Next time you visit a museum stop and think about the amazing efforts made by the invisible art handlers, technicians and installers. Raymond Brown was smart, creative, talented and skilled man who will be missed.” Arrow, an artist and cofounder of Obsolete Media Miami echoes the thoughts of many.
As a musician, Brown was interested in new ideas and experiences which led to a variety of collaborative efforts. Those who jammed with him remember the relative ease with which he’d work. A guitarist first and foremost, Brown was seamless in the worlds of rock and roll and jazz, always with an experimental edge and vibe.
The general contractor for the resort, John Moriarty & Associates of Florida experienced another accident six days’ prior at a site in Miami with another reported fatality. The company is cooperating with local officials and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as it investigates the causes of both accidents. Olsen is recuperating from his injuries and Hoekzema, whose project mural they were working on, was treated and released at the scene. Both he and Olsen have a longer road of recovery given their close, friendly relationship with Brown. They will surely find support among the affected communities.
Photo from the community bonfire in Miami, in Ray’s honor by Monica McGivern
“Ray was an artist, a creative spirit in every sense,” says Bhakti Baxter. “Whether it was music or drawing or sculpture, he took it to a place that was familiar but completely fresh and uniquely awesome. He was a hard worker and a solid member of our community who helped out whenever he could. And if you did get his help you could be certain that you were in good hands.” Baxter, an artist and musician close to Brown postponed his solo exhibit at Nina Johnson Gallery while South Florida mourns. Citing a loss for words, he too echoes what many feel, Raymond Brown was an integral member of the art and music scenes and words will never capture what he truly meant.
PureHoney Magazine wishes to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to his friends at family. A fund in Ray’s honor for medical expenses can be found here. ~ Abel Folgar
Photo Monica McGivern
