FOUNDATION
Photograph from 1stdibs.com.
Art Brut, by Jean Dubuffet
In the mysterious and fascinating world of outsider art, where the boundaries between reason and imagination are blurred, a unique figure emerges: Judith Scott. More than an artist, she was a silent narrator of her own story through intricate textile sculptures. Her life, like her works, is a testament to human creativity in its purest and most authentic form.
In the realms of the unreal, by Henry Darger
Judith Scott was born in 1943 with Down's syndrome and was placed in an institution for people with intellectual disabilities at an early age. For nearly four decades, her voice was silenced by isolation and solitary confinement. However, her fate changed dramatically when her twin sister, Joyce, rescued her and brought her to Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, in 1987.
FOUNDERS
Outsider art, also known as art brut, is characterised by its creation outside the conventional boundaries of institutional art. This form of artistic expression, which emerges from self-taught and often marginalised individuals, finds in Jean Dubuffet and Henry Darger two of its most emblematic figures. Both artists, with profoundly different lives and trajectories, converge in a revolutionary vision of art that challenges established norms and celebrates authenticity and spontaneity.
Dubuffet, initially aligned with traditional artistic currents, soon became dissatisfied with the direction contemporary art was taking. In 1945, he coined the term "art brut" to describe works created by individuals outside the art world, such as psychiatric patients, prisoners and children. Dubuffet admired the purity and immediacy of these expressions, far removed from cultural and academic influences.
Is an iconic figure of outsider art whose life was marked by isolation and adversity. Unlike Dubuffet, Darger lived and created in total anonymity, with no intention of exposing his work to the public. Through his life of isolation and his solitary creation, he embodied the purity and authenticity that Dubuffet admired.
ARTWORKS
Challenging established structures and opening up new avenues of expression
The importance of Dubuffet and Darger in contemporary art lies in their ability to open up new avenues of expression and question established structures. Dubuffet, with his advocacy of art brut, inspired others to seek authenticity and to value unconventional artistic expression. Darger, with his monumental work discovered posthumously, demonstrated that the most significant art is often found in the most unexpected places.
Photograph from pacegallery.com.
Photograph from flashart.com
Outsider art has profoundly influenced the perception of contemporary art, promoting greater inclusivity and an appreciation of creative diversity. This kind of art reminds us that creativity has no limits and that the true value of art lies in its ability to touch the human soul.
Their contributions to outsider art not only pushed the boundaries of what is considered art, but also celebrated authenticity and individual expression. In a world where art is often tied to recognition and commercialisation, the work of these two visionaries remains a testament to the power of pure creativity and the importance of valuing all forms of artistic expression.
HERITAGE
Defence of art brut
An artist who found her voice through textile art. With a self-taught technique, using mainly threads, fabrics and other found objects, she created enveloping, abstract sculptures that resonated with a deep emotional sensitivity.
His vision of contemporary art was revolutionary because it opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and allowed marginalised voices to be heard. Dubuffet demonstrated that art does not need to be technical or refined to be meaningful; what matters is authenticity and the emotional connection that is established with the viewer.
Dubuffet's work often reflects his interest in the primitive and the elemental. In his search for authenticity, he stripped art of its superficiality and took it back to its most basic roots. This radical approach not only redefined his own art, but also had a profound influence on the way outsider art is perceived and valued.
Photographs from i.pinimg.com.
Innovation from popular culture
Darger used elements of popular culture, such as images cut out of magazines and catalogues, and incorporated them into his compositions in innovative ways. This technique speaks not only to his ingenuity and creativity, but also to his ability to transform mundane materials into deeply moving works of art.
"In the Realms of the Unreal", is one of the Darger's several other manuscripts that he left behind. His artworks reveal an extraordinarily prolific mind and a boundless imagination. Is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his artistic vision, despite living in anonymity and solitude.
Henry Darger's works are a fascinating blend of epic storytelling, detailed illustration and a unique artistic style. His illustrations often combine collage techniques with watercolour and pencil, creating vibrant and detailed scenes.
The images of the Vivian Girls and the various characters that populate their stories are loaded with symbolism and express a profound duality between childlike innocence and brutal violence.
Photographs from selftaughtgenius.org.
CONTEMPORARY TESTIMONIALS
Outsider art as a way of understanding human behaviour · Ismaël Chappaz (Gallerist)
"Outsider art artists often present unique and unusual perspectives that can challenge traditional artistic conventions..."
"Through his work I have been able to find a greater openness to a much more genuine diversity of ideas and artistic visions..."
The importance of learning to unlearn · Kevin Prieto (Artist)
"Being marginal and being out of system it brings you to a point where your creativity leads you to discover, to explore and that you are a little bit..."
"Art is really about expressing what you feel or what you want about certain things that interest you, no matter if you have a mental disorder or a cognitive problem..."
ARTCASES
Lattice of identity · Judith Scott
She is known for her thread-wrapped sculptures, which reflect her personal and emotional experience.
artCASE
Everyday life blurred · Miroslav Tichý
Tichy used handmade cameras and improvised materials to capture images of everyday life and the people around him.
artCASE
