The Outsider Art Fair was founded in 1993 and features the works of established and upcoming or contemporary “outsider artists” — those who are self-taught or create artworks outside established circles and institutions. The term was first coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet (called “art brut” or “raw art”); the fair has featured the works of acclaimed creators like Henry Darger, who made hundreds of paintings and illustrations of his “Vivian Girls” battling imaginary foes. Now in its 26th year, the NYC event will showcase more exciting artists from 63 galleries, representing 35 cities from seven countries, with 10 first-time exhibitors. From a press release:
The fair is pleased to welcome several new and dynamic presentations this year, including the Plains Indian Ledger Drawings from the 19th and the early 20th century at Donald Ellis Gallery; Norman Brosterman’s presentation of hand-painted, woven baskets attributed to Plains Indian inmates incarcerated at the Iowa State Penitentiary; and a series of miniature terracotta figurines by Canadian artist Jordan Maclachlan at Marion Harris. As always, the Outsider Art Fair will offer visitors the opportunity to see artworks from internationally acclaimed figures such as Eugene Von Bruenchenhein at Carl Hammer; Minnie Evans at Luise Ross; Bill Traylor at Cavin-Morris; Martin Ramirez at Ricco Maresca and Thornton Dial at Fred Giampietro.
Also featured in the fair are “ex-voto sculptures unique to Brazil’s Afro-Indigenous-European culture at Mariposa Unusual Art; and a collection of works by self-taught artists from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean at Indigo Arts. Korea Art Brut and Beijing’s Almost Art Project will make their OAF debuts, as will Antillean, who will present work by three Jamaican artists, each of whom use found materials to evoke shanty village life. Drawings by New Zealand’s Susan Te Kahurangi King will be the subject of a solo presentation at Chris Byrne and the sensational ceramic sculptures of Shinichi Sawada will be shown in New York for the first time at Jennifer Lauren Gallery.”
Frank Overton Colbert, The Trail to the Happy Hunting Ground, Oil on canvas board, Ca. 1922,14 x 16 in. Courtesy of Steven S. Powers., published with permission
Guo Xiurong, the bizarre diary no3, 2017, watercolor and Chinese ink on rice paper, 66x 66cm. Courtesy of Almost Art Project, published with permission
Harold Plople (1946-2012), Leaving a Tavern Drunk, 2011, watercolor and ink on paper, 21 x 17 in. Courtesy of Just Folk, published with permission
Lauren Dare, Untitled, 2017, Mixed media on paper, 18 x 24 in. Courtesy of Creative Growth Art Center, published with permission
Mark Baum, Ithaca Landscape, 1949, Oil on canvas, 20 x 30 in. Courtesy of Krowswork and the Estate of Mark Baum, published with permission
Oscar Azmitia Magi Bio-chip Implant, 2015, Enamel on vinyl record, 12 inch diameter. Courtesy of Pure Vision Arts, published with permission
Richard Kurtz, Yes 2, double-sided vintage flash cards with box case, 2015. 9 x 13 in.Courtesy of Esperanza Projects, published with permission
William Hawkins, Koko and Smokey, 1985, Enamel on Masonite, 48 x 32 in, Courtesy of Ricco Maresca, published with permission
Robert Kippur, Untitled, River Torrent, Green Reclining Nude, 90 x 112 in. Courtesy of Humbaba Fine Art, published with permission
Rev. Johnnie Swearingen (1908-1993), Baseball, n.d., courtesy of Webb Gallery, published with permission
The 26th edition of the Outsider Art Fair runs today through January 21 at The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St in New York City.