John Natsoulas Gallery

Exhibition Dates: April 2 - April 19, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 5th 7-9pm

The John Natsoulas Center for the Arts is proud to present one of the most important surveys of contemporary American Folk art, a rare opportunity to see notable artists of this incredible movement.

Responding to the historical and cultural development of the United States, American folk art has provided an exuberant artistic outlet for everyday people. It has been so influential that it has fostered other artistic movements such as outsider art. It is often festive, brightly colored and features traditional decoration or functional forms that reflect the craft tradition. The art featured in our exhibition is created by untrained artists who operate outside of the art system. They create pieces driven by inner necessity, often in order to support themselves. The artists featured in this exhibition are inspired by daily occurrences in their own lives. These works are valued for their paradoxical technique, which is at once primitive in expression and yet sophisticated in execution.

The most celebrated and influential folk artist, Reverend Howard Finster, is considered a pioneer of the American folk art movement having been responsible for its introduction to millions of people across the globe. He has also collaborated with the rock group REM, and his work was commissioned by The Talking Heads for an album cover. His works portray a diverse range of topics, from pop culture icon Elvis Presley to religious images to historical figures, all depicted in his own eclectic artistic vision. This exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Finster’s art within the context of the art of his peers.

Similar to Finster, Purvis Young is also known for depicting human subjects with a vividly colored pallet. Purvis Young rose to fame over 40 years ago, when he began making large harmonious yet chaotic mural-style paintings on plywood.

In contrast, Jimmy Lee Sudduth paints basic figures; his preferred technique involves applying the paint directly on to the canvas with his hands. He embellishes his images with the colors created by grasses and wild berries.

Alfred "Big Al" Taplet originally began adorning old pieces of slate with paint and glitter to advertise his New Orleans shoeshine stand. His heavily stylized and exuberant drawings of shoes of all types are typically accompanied by such proclamations as "Shines with a Smile" or "I Make Them Shine as if They were Mine." Taplet has developed a loyal following among both his shoe shine regulars and art collectors. Just recently, Taplet has branched out to include more than shoe imagery, offering a more spiritual social commentary and a decided dash of humor.

The John Natsoulas Gallery is proud to present in a one-time American Folk Art exhibition the works of Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, Howard Finster, Bernice Sims, Purvis Young, Buddy Snipes, John Henry Toney, Big Al Taplet, Duke Cahill, Ted Gordon, Dwight Mackintosh and others.