Romany Mark Bruce

In 2007 Romany Mark Bruce, Irish-born lawyer and self-taught artist, was confronted by a stranger while walking his dog in Kemptown, Brighton. 'I want a word with you,' said the mysterious fellow, and walked off, without further explanation. Two days later, Romany received a follow-up email: would he consider mocking up a design for an AIDS Memorial statue, to be erected in the south-coast city? An open-call competition was underway: there were ten days left to enter. Having lost his dearest friend to the deadly virus, Romany - by then predominantly a painter, though with ten years sculpting experience behind him - wasted no time in making a decision, and making up a design. The rest is history, and his AIDS Memorial, dedicated to Paul Tay, is a poignant landmark much loved by Brighton residents. This monograph explores the life choices which have informed Romany's artistic pathway, and analyses the sculptural techniques he employs in his thriving painting practice. Romany is, in his own words, 'a sculptor who paints'; his work has been exhibited internationally, from France to Australia.

Alex Leith is Chair of the Critics' Circle Visual Arts section, and in 2024 will be President of the Circle. An author and journalist with some thirty years' experience under his belt, he is currently the editor for the Review of Sussex Arts and British Art News. Specialising in modern and contemporary British art, he has authored several books and contributed articles to national press titles such as the Observer, the Guardian and The Times. He lives in East Sussex.