UB40 musician demonstrates the other side to his creative talents

A FOUNDING member of Birmingham’s own UB40 is displaying his creative talents via another medium.

Self-taught saxophone player Brian Travers’ artwork has gone on display at Birmingham’s Malmaison.

The focal point of the exhibition is a composition called ‘The Malmaison Installation of 8 UV monkeys’, which is inspired by the musician’s passion for the natural world. The collection also showcases pieces motivated by his time spent touring with the reggae band.

A late entrant to the art world after keeping his talents under wraps for more than four decades, he made his debut into the art world in September last year, with his first exhibition at Harborne’s independent Havill and Travis gallery.

Splitting his time between music and art, he said: “To be able to showcase my most recent body of work at Malmaison is such an exciting opportunity for me. The exhibition aims to provide a colourful environment for visitors and guests that hopefully gets them thinking deeper about the pieces and the stories behind them.

“Art was my initial platform to express myself; believe it or not I have been painting longer than I have been performing with UB40. It’s wonderful to finally be able to bring my passion for art into the spotlight, and share it with my home city.”

Brian is the latest talent to showcase work at Malmaison’s ‘Art Space’, which has also exhibited images of Duran Duran’s ‘Careless Memories’ tour by renowned photographer Denis O’Regan, as well as a host of artists from Washington Green Fine Art.

A display of his eclectic approach, the exhibition showcases various pieces including ‘The Light Roundel Installation’, a multi-coloured version of the RAF logo intended to represent a modern image of British arts and culture.

More abstract pieces include ‘Colour Maps Number 23 & 7’, two maps that are intended to inject abstract colour into the living environment.

There is also ‘Selfie’, which is a favourite among his enthusiasts and shows the musician in a reflective state before going on stage to perform with UB40. It gives pride of place to his chief instrument, a saxophone with his own trademark roundel.

The work also includes ‘Carlito Monkey’, a new addition to the ‘Urban Monkey’ series and one of the artist’s personal favourites.  There is also ‘Band’, a painting of UB40 that is part of the Synaesthesia series and captures the band at their best, playing live.