The Outsiders: My Beginner's Guide to Outsider Art
- Marnie Causon
- Feb 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
-By Gretta Cole
Over lunch with my super talented goddaughter, @joannadudderidge, the conversation took a captivating turn towards the world of "outsider art." Instantly hooked, we dove right in. So, forget the fancy art scene, forget the art history lessons and critics. Does true artistic expression truly reside in the hands of the "Outsiders"?
Outsider Art Defined:
In a nutshell, outsider art is made by self-taught creators from diverse backgrounds, driven by unique visions of their inner worlds. Powerful, deeply personal works fuelled by life experiences, their creative expression is key to understanding their art.
Naive Art:
While personal expression is present in the artists' work, sometimes the aim is to emulate traditional styles or please viewers within the art world. Naive art offers unique perspectives and raw emotions, retaining its importance.
As I've discovered, this is a hugely fascinating and controversial topic, impossible to tackle comprehensively in a short blog post with limited knowledge. However, I wanted to express my delight in personally discovering a taste of this art, work that is truly authentic and unfiltered. Additionally, discussing outsider art directly after a post about one of my artistic heroes, the self-taught dreamer and genius William Blake feels fitting.
Jean Dubuffet and Art Brut:
I've learned more about French artist Jean Dubuffet, a rebellious genius who sparked the movement known as "raw art," collecting and celebrating non-academic creators. In 1947, Dubuffet rocked the art world with his "Art Brut" exhibition. It wasn't just art; it was a rebellion against artistic rules! He showcased raw, unschooled works, conveying the message that true art can be free and untamed. This became known as Jean Dubuffet's "art brut," later christened "Outsider Art" by Roger Cardinal.
Roger Cardinal, an outsider art expert, wrote about artists with schizophrenia, autism, or childlike innocence who expressed themselves freely, unconcerned with fitting in. He excluded hobbyists ("naive artists") because, in his opinion, they still aimed to please the art world. Essentially, he saw true outsider artists as expressing themselves freely, outside of any pressure to conform.
Celebrating All Art:
Jean Dubuffet donated his collection of Art Brut to the city of Lausanne in Switzerland, where you can view these incredible artworks located in the stunning 18th-century Château de Beaulieu.
All art deserves a spotlight, every voice a stage! Discovering a little about "outsider and naive art" is inspiring. Now, I'm off to explore the fringes and learn much more about this movement.
Here are a few examples of artists from the Collection de l'Art Brut whose stories are particularly moving:
Adolf Wölfli:
A Swiss artist who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent most of his life in a mental institution. His intricate and detailed pencil drawings often depict imaginary landscapes and creatures.
Aloïse Corbaz:
A Swiss artist who spent most of her life in psychiatric institutions. Her colourful and fantastical works often depict religious and mythological themes.
Judith Scott:
An American artist with Down syndrome who created abstract sculptures and weavings using everyday materials. Her work is characterized by its vibrant colours and intricate patterns.
References:
Jean Dubuffet:
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