On exhibit at La Petite Gallerie at McRea Art Studios, Orlando, Florida
November 1 - December 31, 2022
Work With Broccoli
Brian Miller
Painter
American (1966- )
In the summer of 1966, the Tilldale Seed Company released Broccoli Variation No. 715 – a more versatile product that was less susceptible to disease, easier to grow, and provided higher nutritional value per ounce. This engineering marvel single handedly changed the dining landscape across the globe, making broccoli finally available on every table, restaurant menu, and school cafeteria lunch line.
It was into this exciting time that artist Brian Miller was born, summer 1966. This perfect alignment of events initiated a fascination that has lasted over five decades. It has been said that broccoli changed Brian, but many scholars have agreed that Brian changed the way we see broccoli. Joseph Schlep, of the West Orange Sun, recently stated that Mr. Miller's work with broccoli is the most important interpretation of this product in West Orlando. Recently in a Q&A session with the artist, Brian was asked, “Why broccoli?” With his trademark brevity, he replied “I like it.” Simple. Decisive. An economy of words that truly reflects the brilliance of this artist.
We are proud to showcase this new work from Brian Miller. You are viewing the first cumulative exhibition of his work with broccoli on a single wall.
Fact or Fiction
Since the opening of Mr. Miller’s Work With Broccoli there has been significant controversy over the authenticity of the work. Was Brian truly influenced by broccoli or was there a more sinister product involved. This controversy has exposed the rather dark side of both the art and broccoli grower’s markets.
Reacher Forstars of the Orange County Tattler has uncovered some exposing facts about the exhibition. Here is an excerpt from his article.
I find it shocking that La Petite Gallerie would allow such a controversy to hang on their walls. They are a prestigious gallery, and this could ruin them and their reputation. They obviously have not done their research.
I have determined that there is zero evidence that the Tildale Seed Company ever existed. I did find a Twilley Seeds based in South Carolina, but there is no known relationship to the Tildale Seed Company. This appears to be a complete fabrication.
I sent the drawings out to ARR Labs, Inc. for their analysis of the materials used in the artwork. They determined the chemical composition of the charcoal used in Mr. Miller’s broccoli studies is from the remains of the blue oak tree created during the Mosquito Fire Incident. This devastating event occurred in California in the fall of 2022. Mr. Miller claimed that many of the broccoli studies were created prior to this timeframe. Based on the chemical analysis of the charcoal, this would not have been possible.
After extensive interviews with Mr. Miller’s childhood friend have revealed no lifelong love of broccoli. Most of my interviews reveled that Mr. Miller true passion was creating maps and fake worlds to be used in the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. Perhaps this is original source of his ability to “stretch the truth.”
The FBI became aware of the controversy after the Forstars article was published. Since they were in town working with another Orlando art establishment, they paid a visit to La Petite Gallerie. The FBI loaded up the art into the back of their SUVs and it was questionable whether the exhibit will proceed or not. After 24 hours, the FBI returned the work to the exhibit walls. No further information was provided.
Orlando. FBI agents confiscating Six Servings from Le Petite Gallerie.
