Think You Can Tell What Type of Artist Created a Work? Think Again

This piece is one of 6 pieces that have sold in our current Focus Gallery Show, entitled "Making Their Mark: Art Brut." You may look at this piece, and others in this show, and assume they were done by experienced artists with long careers in the art field. You would be wrong.  This show is in conjunction with "Purple Art," an art therapy program that works with unique cultures with disabilities, as well as military members and their families. Translated as "raw art," Art Brut describes artwork created without the influence of classical art or culture. These artists lack formal training and live outside the cultural mainstream, creating art that is also known as "Outsider Art."

The pieces stand on their own as great art, borne out by the comments of our gallery visitors who notice the art first, and read the description of the show later. One could argue that many of us, as artists, are constrained by our backgrounds - whether we have MFAs or have just taken one class. We all have difficulty getting that voice out of our heads that says "You can't mix this color with that color" or "You must always have your perspective absolutely correct" and on and on. Those teachings stick with us and, many times, hold back our true creativity. 

We have all benefited tremendously from the classes and workshops we have taken, and none of us want to give up that continued growth; but much can be learned from these inexperienced - but talented and unfettered - artists. Bruce Lee (perhaps an unlikely source) said of art: "Art reaches its greatest peak when devoid of self-consciousness. Freedom discovers man the moment he loses concern over what impression he is making or is about to make." 

The artists in this show instinctively know this, and it has made for a very compelling show. The show runs through August 23rd. Come in and have a look. - Sandi Parker, Co-Director, Gallery Underground