Creating Connections: Self-Taught Artists in the Rosenthal Collection

The Rosenthal Collection of work by self-taught artists is explored in Creating Connections, which looks at the mysterious connections we have with works of art and the journey into the meaning of art for its creators. The collection includes artists from the US and non-US, and essays by Olivia Sagan and Charles Russell examine the need for a more nuanced approach to these artists and their work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

Creating Connections is a captivating publication that delves into the profound and mysterious connections we forge with works of art. Through a rich array of over 70 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and watercolors from the renowned Rosenthal Collection, this meticulously illustrated volume explores the enigmatic journey into the meaning and purpose behind artistic creations. It examines the historical approaches to understanding the works of self-taught artists, highlighting the inherent challenges in their interpretation. Moreover, it raises important questions about where we should strive to achieve a more equitable and inclusive art history.

The Rosenthal Collection stands as a testament to the remarkable diversity and depth of artistic talent. It encompasses a wide range of American artists, including Earl Cunningham, Henry Darger, Thornton Dial, Bill Traylor, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Ralph Fasanella, Martin Ramirez, and Janet Sobel, as well as non-US artists such as Carlo Zinelli, Hiroyuki Doi, Adolf Woelfli, Donald Pass, and Nek Chand. Notably, Jean Dubuffet, the French painter who championed the study of these artists, is also featured in the collection.

An insightful illustrated interview with Richard Rosenthal, the collector behind this extraordinary assemblage, offers a unique perspective into the man who has brought together such a diverse range of work. Additionally, essays by Olivia Sagan and Charles Russell provide valuable insights into the need for a more nuanced approach to these artists and their creations. They explore the history of their appreciation, including terminology such as "Outsider Art," and examine the work in the context of autobiography, trauma, connection, and remembering.

Through its comprehensive exploration, Creating Connections invites us to reflect on the profound impact that art has on our lives and the profound connections we can forge with it. It serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, challenge our perceptions, and inspire us to explore the depths of our own creativity and humanity.

Weight: 1296g
Dimension: 250 x 278 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875411